THE COMPLETE
GUIDE TO
BARBER
DIMES
By David Lawrence
The Complete Guide to
BARBER DIMES
by
David Lawrence
DLRC Press
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Copyright © 1991
DLRC Press
David Lawrence Rare Coins
R O. Box 64844
Virginia Beach, Virginia 23464
(804) 424-0560
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Tom Mulvaney took almost all of the photographs in the book. Exceptions are the picture
of the Barber dime pattern, J1 760, provided by the Smithsonian Institution; the photo of Charles
Barber, by R.W. Julian; two varieties of the 1908-D by Bill Fivaz; the 1909-O/D by Stack's and
photos of the 1894-S provided by Bowers and Merena, Superior Galleries and Stack's. Also, a few
other photos were taken by me.
The book was greatly enhanced by several collectors and dealers who lent varieties to be
photographed. I have tried to credit each as they appear in the book, but special thanks must be
given to Joe Haney, whose collection included many previously unreported varieties. His
contribution probably doubled the number of varieties I was able to illustrate in the book. I am
also indebted to Phil Carrigan, who helped with research on the 1894-S, and Steve Epstein, who
provided information and analysis of historical prices.
This book was edited by my wife, Lynn, and designed and composed by my son, John. I
could never have undertaken it without their support.
FOREWORD
This is the second book in the Barber series. 'The Complete Guide to Barber Quarters" was
published in October, 1989. In the quarter book I relied heavily on line drawings and paid
particular attention to mint-mark positions. In this book I have gone completely to photographs,
almost all taken by Tom Mulvaney, a professional numismatic photographer. Thanks to Tom's
expertise, I believe you will find this book easy to use as a reference guide.
The Barber Dime series is a challenging one. Except for the 1894-S, which is truly rare, you
can assemble the set in almost any grade from About Good to Mint State 65. But you won't find
it easy if the coins are better than Very Good, and it is not unusual for a collector to invest five to
eight years on the set. Fortunately for the next collector, such a set is sometimes offered for sale
upon completion. Otherwise many of the dates would never become available.
Barbers have become very popular in the last two years - the Barber Coin Collectors'
Society formed in 1989 has more than 500 members, and investors have been attracted to the
low populations of mint-state coins.
I was encouraged by the response to the Barber Quarter book and hope this book also
will further interest in this beautiful and intriguing series.
DAVE LAWRENCE
January, 1991
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Acknowledgments ■■■
Foreword iv
Chapter 1 : History of the Series &
Major Design Changes.1
Chapter 2: Grading. 7
Chapter 3: Estimating Scarcity. 13
Chapter 4: Year & Mint-Mark Analysis. 19
Appendix A: Glossary. 117
Appendix B: Relevant Statistics. 119
Appendix C: References &
Listing of Significant Contributors. 121
Chapter 1
History of the Series
&
Major Design Changes
HISTORY OF THE SERIES
This history first appeared in The Complete Guide to Barber Quarters and has been modified
here to focus on the dimes. The quarter book has a more complete discussion of the Barber patterns.
THE COINAGE
In the 1880s the U.S silver coinage of dimes, quarters and half dollars was the British-
inspired Liberty Seated design. The obverse of these series had remained basically unchanged
since 1837 and there was a general feeling among artists and federal officials alike that our
coinage had a second-rate appearance, particularly in comparison with the French designs.
In his annual report for 1887, Mint Director James R Kimball lamented the "inferiority of our
coinage" compared to other advanced nations. He wanted "distinguished" artists engaged to
redesign the American coins. But, believing he lacked authority, Kimball turned to Congress. At his
request. Sen. Justin S. Morrill (R-VT) presented a bill authorizing the Treasury Department to
redesign coins in use at least 25 years. This bill, which passed on September 26, 1890, allowed
design changes for dimes, quarters and half dollars after 1891.
The Treasury Department initially decided to hold a design competition among 10 of the
most distinguished artists in America. However, the artists jointly complained that the preparation
time allowed was too short (less than 2 months) and the "compensation altogether insufficient."
They wanted $ 100 for each sketch and $500 for each completed plaster model, plus a grand
prize of $ 1,000 for each design used - a fortune at the time. Shocked at the demands, the
Treasury instead arranged for a public competition to be judged by sculptor August Saint-
Gaudens, Boston gem and seal engraver Henry Mitchell and chief mint engraver Charles Barber.
The results were unsatisfactory. They were bound to be because St. Gaudens believed that,
outside of France, only he was competent to make such designs and Barber thought himself as
the only one capable (Taxay). On July 3, 1891, the committee wrote to Treasury Secretary Charles
Foster: "None of the designs or models submitted are such a decided improvement upon the
present designs ... as to be worthy of adoption by the Government. We would respectfully
recommend that one or more of the artists distinguished for work in designing and relief, be
engaged at suitable compensation ..." In fact, Kimball's successor as mint director, Edward O.
Leech, called the competition a "wretched failure." Only two of the 300 designs submitted had
been accorded an honorable mention.
David Lawrence
J1760 - The Barber Dime Pattern
(Photo courtesy Smithsonian Institution)
3
CHARLES EDWARD BARBER
Born in London on November 16, 1840, Charles E. Barber
came from a long line of distinguished British engravers. In
1852 he came to the United States with his father, William,
who practiced his profession of engraving and die making
first in Boston and then in Providence, R.l. When his father
was appointed chief engraver of the Mint in 1869, Charles
became an assistant engraver at the Philadelphia facility. In
1879 William Barber died and Charles was appointed to his
father's position by President Rutherford B. Hayes. On
January 20, 1880 he became the sixth chief engraver of the
United States Mint. In addition to the dime, quarter and half
dollar series that bear his name, Charles Barber designed
the Liberty (V) nickel, one of the $4 gold Stellas, several U.S. commemoratives, foreign coins
and many medals. He died suddenly on February 18, 1917 at the age of 77 while still in
office.
Leech favored having Barber do the redesign. "Our engraver at Philadelphia is the only
competent person to do these designs," Leech was quoted in the Boston Transcript of July 31,
1891. "Of course he receives no additional compensation for this. It is part of his regular work. I do
not see any prospect of getting designs elsewhere in this country. We might get them in France ...
But the people of the United States would never forgive us if we went outside this country for our
designs. To be sure, our designer is of an English family, but he is regularly in the employment of
the mint" (Taxay).
A few days later. Leech defended his choice of Charles Barber to R.W. Gilder, art critic for
Century Magazine, saying that Barber "comes from three generations of mint engravers and
designers and has done excellent work in coin designing, and is in every way equipped for this
important duty." He added that Barber had prepared some designs that met with his and
engraver Henry Mitchell's approval, although some changes needed to be made.
Barber's original obverse design was, like the Liberty Seated series, modeled after English
coinage. It shows Columbia standing with Liberty pole and sword in front of an eagle - possibly
inspired by the Una and the Lion gold pattern created for Queen Victoria in 1839 (Julian; see
photo in the Complete Guide to Barber Quarters. 1989). Leech rejected the design and ordered
the obverse to have a Liberty head similar to several French bronze and silver coins of the Third
Republic. The mint director wanted to retain the reverse of the seated dime, but ordered that the
reverse of the quarter and half dollar bear the national standard.
The first Barber coin was struck at the Philadelphia Mint at 9 a.m. on Saturday, January 2,
1892. In 1900, the obverse and reverse hubs were changed (see Major Design Changes). Barber
dimes were minted into 1916 when, after the minimum 25 years, they were succeeded by Adolph
A. Weinman's "Mercury" design. The Barber coins saw extensive usage and most were worn down
to AG condition. Many of these low-grade survivors were melted in the silver boom of 1979-80.
Today, most Barbers exist in "Good" condition. Intermediate and high-grade coins are a challenge
to find. Though many years had mintages of several million, in most issues only a few hundred
survive in mint state.
4
The Complete Guide to Barber Dimes
MAJOR DESIGN CHANGES
HUB CHANGES:
The Barber dime was put into production in 1892 and the design remained unchanged
until 1900 when the obverse and reverse hubs were modified. The changes were first discussed
and illustrated by McClosky in a Collectors' Clearinghouse article in 1 980. The switch in obverse
hubs was straightforward, with the transition taking place in 1900, but the use of the two reverse
hubs was surprising. This is outlined in the table that follows.
OBVERSE I
(1892 - 1900):
The leaves in Liberty’s wreath have rounded
tips and the leaf below "S" in STATES is distant.
OBVERSE II
(1900 - 1916):
The leaves are more pointed and the leaf
below "S" is close.
REVERSE I
(1892 - 1901, 1903-S, 1905-S):
The right ribbon on the wreath
below the bow is thin.
REVERSE II
(1901 - 1916, but see table):
The right ribbon below the bow is thicker with
an extra fold on the underside.
David Lawrence
5
DATE
OBVERSE
1 II
REVERSE
1 II
1 900-P
2
2
1900-0
1
1
1 900-S
8
8
1901-P
2
1 1
1901-0
3
3
1901-S
16
16
1902-P
12
12
1902-0
2
2
1 902-S
4
4
1 903-P
5
5
1903-0
13
13
1 903-S
3
3
1 904-P
1
1
1 904-S
3
3
1 905-P
3
3
1905-0
5
5
1 905-S
1 1
* 1 1
* both reverses reported by McClosky.
Table 1 . The distribution of Type I and II obverse
and reverse dimes in a sample examined.
MINT MARK CHANGES
There were several types of "S" mint marks used in the Barber Dime series. From 1892 -
1898, the S was thick in the center diagonal, leaving the upper and lower loops fairly closed.
Beginning in 1899, however, several thinner, more open S styles were used, including different
shapes in the same year. The early S is distinctive, which can be useful in counterfeit detection.
Early S mint mark,
1892 - 1898
One of several S mint marks
used after 1898
6
The Complete Guide to Barber Dimes
Chapter 2
Grading
GRADING
Barber Dimes are an easy series to grade but, like many U.S. coins, the strike must be taken
into consideration. Coins from the New Orleans Mint are almost always weakly struck, often
lacking detail around the periphery. For some dates, notably 1898-0, 1900-0 and 1907-0, the
word LIBERTY is particularly weak and may be incomplete even on uncirculated coins. In this case
other details and surface characteristics must be carefully examined to determine the grade.
Coins wear continuously, not in discrete steps, and the different standard grades represent
levels in the process. It is not surprising that coins often fall between grades and so called "split-
grades" have come into standard use in today's market.
AG 2 (ABOUT GOOD)
The rim is worn away on both
obverse and reverse sides.
-
■'/(D&O: y
\ i \
G 4 (GOOD)
The rim is complete or nearly so.
OBVERSE: Details of Liberty's wreath
are completely worn. The rim is
usually complete.
REVERSE: The rim may be
incomplete in one area.
G 6 (GOOD/VERY GOOD)
The rim is complete on both sides.
OBVERSE: Some of Liberty's wreath
detail will show, also the beginning
of the word LIBERTY. Usually the "L."
REVERSE: The wreath will start to
show detail.
David Lawrence
9
VG 8 (VERY GOOD)
OBVERSE: Three letters of LIBERTY
show, usually the L, T and Y. Liberty's
head wreath will show more detail. The
rim will show three-dimensionality.
REVERSE: The design will show more
three-dimensionality than in the previous
grade.
NOTE, 1895-P and some other weakly struck issues
often lack obverse wreath detail though showing
the requisite detail in the word LIBERTY.
VG 10 (VERY GOOD/FINE)
OBVERSE: Five of the letters in
LIBERTY will show.
REVERSE: The wreath will show still
more detail. If well struck, the corn
ear and leaf under the D in DIME will
start to fill out. However, many issues
will not show this detail in this grade.
F 12 (FINE)
This and the following grades are
determined almost entirely from the
obverse, barring damage and
problems on the reverse.
OBVERSE. All seven letters in LIBERTY
can be seen, though the BER may be
weak.
REVERSE: The wreath will show more
detail.
F 16 (FINE/VERY FINE)
OBVERSE: LIBERTY is almost complete
with only a slight weakness in the
lower part of the ER.
REVERSE: The wreath will have more
detail, as shown.
10
The Complete Guide to Barber Dimes
VF 20 (VERY FINE)
OBVERSE: LIBERTY is complete.
Liberty's head wreath will show
considerable three-dimensionality,
with weakness in the area left of the
eye.
REVERSE: The wreath will have more
detail.
VF 30 (VERY FINE/EXTRA FINE)
OBVERSE: There is a partial band
under LIBERTY.
REVERSE: The wreath will have still
more detail.
XF 40 (EXTREMELY FINE)
OBVERSE: The band under LIBERTY is
complete. The hair over the forehead
down to the ear shows three-
dimensionality.
REVERSE: Wreath detail is strong.
Usually the com ear has all of its
kernels.
XF 45 (EXTREMELY
FINE/ALMOST UNCIRCULATED)
OBVERSE: There is three-
dimensionality to the band under
LIBERTY and detail to the hair over
the forehead. If uncleaned and not
too dark, there is a hint of luster
around the periphery.
REVERSE: The coin has sharp detail
and some luster around the
periphery.
11
David Lawrence
AU 50
(ABOUT UNCIRCULATED)
Surface is important in this grade.
Both sides of the coin should have
mint luster, unless the coin is dark or
harshly cleaned.
OBVERSE: All details are complete
with only slight signs of rub. Liberty's
cheek should be rounded.
REVERSE: All details are virtually
complete.
AU 55 (CHOICE ABOUT
UNCIRCULATED, SLIDER)
On both sides the coin should be very
close to mint state. Only the slightest
signs of wear will be detectable and the
coin will usually have nice luster.
OBVERSE: There is very slight rub on
Liberty's cheek and a few light wear lines
in the field.
REVERSE: A few light wear lines will
show in the field.
NOTE: O-mint coins generally lack sharp hair detail
on the forehead and around the periphery. Often
the date is a bit shallow and the corn ear and other
reverse wreath details are missing. Some other
dates like the 1910-D are also poorly struck. See the
chapter on Year and Mint Mark Analysis for further
information.
MS 60-70 (MINT STATE)
This coin has not been in circulation, but may have picked up marks from mishandling,
sliding album pages, or stacking. Dimes are light and bag marks are generally small compared
with those of larger coins. "Dipped" coins may qualify for mint state, but not those which have
been mechanically cleaned. Surfaces of the latter have been impaired and signs of wear may be
obliterated.
Toning subdues luster and can hide friction. Such coins are difficult to grade and
sometimes fool professionals. Relying on third-party grading is recommended for coins grading MS
63 and higher and for lower grade uncirculated coins when there is a large price difference
between grades.
OBVERSE: Liberty's cheek may show light lines or marks. The fields may have "hits" or scratches,
but light lines in these areas are usually a sign of circulation (and/or cleaning). Luster should be
uniform and unbroken throughout the fields and devices.
REVERSE: There must be no sign of circulation. If not dark the coin will be lustrous.
NOTE: It is easier to determine if the coin is mint state from the obverse than the reverse
12
The Complete Guide to Barber Dimes
Chapter 3
Estimating Scarcity
ESTIMATING SCARCITY
As every coin collector knows, scarcity is not always consistent with original mintage
figures. Over the years some dates get lost, melted or saved more than others. The first and last
years of a mint (1906-D, 1 909-0) tend to be preserved in higher grades as do the first and last
dates of the series.
A date's relative scarcity is indicated by its "Rarity Rating ," which varies from R1 to R8.
Factors considered in estimating scarcity are the original mintage, the populations of certified coins
(PCGS & NGC), the historical value, the number of times the date appears on customer "want lists"
and the results of a survey made by the BCCS among its members.
The RARITY RATINGS are defined as follows:
R1 - Common.
R2 - A better date. Available at most shows, but in limited quantity.
R3 - A tough date. Only a few likely to be found at larger shows.
R4 Scarce. May or may not be available at larger shows.
R5 - Very Scarce. Only a few will appear at large shows or auctions in a year's time.
R6 - Extremely Scarce. Almost never available
R7 Rare. Only a few exist.
R8 Unique or almost so.
GRADES G-VG
R8: 1894-S
R3: 1892-S
1893-0
1895-RO,S
896- 0,S
897- 0
900-0
901-S
903- S
904- S
R2: 1892-RO
1893- RS
1894- RO
1896- P
1897- S
1898- 0, S
1899- 0, S
900- S
901- 0
902- O,S
903- 0
905-0,0
908-0
909-D,O,S
910-S
91 1-S
913- S
914- S
915- S
906- D, 0,S
907- D,S
R1 : All the rest.
David Lawrence
15
GRADES F-VF
R4:
1 892-S
1896-0, S
1 903-S
1 894-0
1897-0
1 905-Micro O
1895-80
1900-0
1 909-S
R3:
1 893-PO,S
1 899-0
1908-0
1 894-P
1 901-O,S
1 909-D
1 895-S
1 902-0, S
1910-S
1896-P
1 904-S
1913-S
1 897-S
1 905-0
1915-S
1898-0, S
1 906-O,S
R2:
1 892-PO
1 1 906-D
191 1-S
1 899-S
1 907-D,O,S
1912-S
1 900-S
1 908-S
1914-S
1 903-0
1909-0
1 905-S
1910-D
R1:
All the rest.
GRADES XF-AU
R6:
1895-0
1 905-Micro O
R5:
1 894-0
1897-0
1 903-S
1895-P
1898-0
1 909-S
1896-0, S
1 900-0
R4:
1892-S
1899-0
1 909-D
1893-0,S
1 901 -S
191 0-S
1894-P
1 902-S
1913-S
1895-S
1 904-S
1915-S
1 897-S
1906-0
1 898-S
1908-0
R3:
1 893-P
1 903-0
1 909-0
1896-P
1 905-0
1910-D
1 899-S
1 906-S
1914-S
1901-0
1 907-D,O,S
1 902-0
1 908-S
R2:
1892-0
1 905-S
1 91 1 -S
1 900-S
1 906-D
1912-S
R1:
All the rest
16
The Complete Guide to Barber Dimes
MINT STATE
R7:
1 894-S
R6:
1895-0
1 900-0
1 898-0
1 905-Micro O
R5:
1 894-0
1897-S
1899-0
1 896-0
1898-S
1 909-S
R4:
1892-S
1901-O.S
1 907-D,S
1895-S
1902-0, S
1909-D
1896-S
1 903-S
R3:
1893-0,5
1903-PO
1909-0
1895-P
1 904-S
1 910-S
1897-0
1 906-D.S
1915-S
1899-S
1 908-0, S
R2:
1892-0
1904-P
1 910-D
1894-P
1905-0, S
1912-S
1896-P
1906-0
1913-S
1 900-S
1907-0
1914-S
1 902-P
1 908-D
R1:
All the rest.
David Lawrence
17
Chapter 4
Year & Mint-Mark Analysis
1892
Mintage:
Varieties:
Scarcity:
Value:
Comments:
12,121.245 Proofs: 1,245
At least three repunched dates (scarcities unknown).
No. 1011 892-P, 2/2 (photo). The 2 was first punched too low, then corrected.
Possibly the same as Breen 3471.
No. 102 1892-P, 89/89 (photo of Haney specimen). Repunching shows inside
lower loops of 8 and 9.
No. 103-1 892-P (photo). Repunched date. First date shows slightly to south
No. 104 1 892-P, Repunched date. First date shows west. (Breen 3472 with
photo).
Common in XF and AU. The second most common date in MS. A slightly better date
in G-VF.
Rarity Rating: G-VG R2, F-VF R2, XF-AU Rl. MS Rl.
Total PCGS & NGC = 656 (RANKING 74/75).
1947
1991
CDN
G
—
2.35
1.80
F
0.75
5.50
5.00
XF
—
25.00
15.00
MS60
2.50
160.00
90.00
MS63
—
—
150.00
As a P-mint and first year of issue it is typically well struck with good luster. Some
specimens have the 2 in the date connected to the bust, a result of a die chip. Die
clashes are also common.
David Lawrence
21
1892-P
(con't)
No. 103. 1892-P, repunched date South
22
The Complete Guide to Barber Dimes
1 892-0
Mintage:
Varieties:
Scarcity:
Value:
Comments:
3,841.700
At least one repunched date and one RPM (scarcities unknown).
No. 101- 1892-0, 189/189 West (photo).
No. 102 1892-0, 0/0 North (photo in Wexler & Miller).
Relatively tougher in VG-VF than XF and AU. The most common O-mint in mint state.
Rarity Rating: R2 in all grades
Total PCGS/NGC = 87 (RANKING 51/74)
1947
1991
CDN
G
—
4.50
3.85
F
1.50
8.00
7.75
XF
—
28.00
22.00
MS60
6.00
180.00
1 10.00
MS63
—
—
290.00
Good strike for an O-mint, with nice luster. Die clashes common.
No. 101 1892-0, 189/189 West
David Lawrence
23
1892-S
Mintage:
Varieties:
Scarcity:
Value:
Comments:
990,710
Breen reports RPMs with thin and heavy dates. Like most early S-mint dimes of the
series, often found with "shelf doubling." This should not be confused with an RPM.
One die had a chip at the date connecting the 2 with the bust (photo). A similar die
exists in 1892-P.
Very scarce in Fine and above. Only 1 MS65 each certified by PCGS & NGC.
Rarity Rating: G-VG R3. F-VF R4, XF-AU R4. MS R4.
Total PCGS/NGC = 25 (RANKING 1 5/74).
1947
1991
CDN
G
—
25.00
20.00
F
3.50
45.00
50.00
XF
—
85.00
75.00
MS60
12.50
250.00
250.00
MS63
—
—
550.00
Sharply struck and sometimes proof-like.
1892-S, die chip above 2
24
The Complete Guide to Barber Dimes
1893
Mintage:
Varieties:
Scarcity:
Value (93-PJ:
Value (93/2):
Comments:
3,340.792 Proofs: 792
The 1893/2 is the best known overdate in the series, though not discernable in low
grades. Breen reports at least 4 varieties of this overdate, which exists in both proof
and business strikes. A repunched 3 with several positional varieties is also reported by
Breen.
No. 101 -1893/2-P (photo here and in Breen). The overdate is visible in the bottom
of the 9 and the lower loop of the 3. The validity of this overdate has sometimes been
questioned. Much of the skepticism was eliminated when 6 sharply struck, high-grade
pieces were discovered in 1990 (one graded MS66 at PCGS). The overdate is now
recognized by PCGS.
The regular '93-P is scarcer in circulated grades than mint state.
Rarity Rating: G-VG R2. F/VF R3, XF-AU R3, MS R1.
Total PCGS/NGC = 164 (RANKING 60/74).
1947
1991
CDN
G-
—
4.50
3.55
F
0.75
7.50
8.00
XF
—
25.00
21.00
MS 60
2.50
160.00
125.00
MS63
—
—
210.00
XF
150.00
1 10.00
AU
—
175.00
MS60
400.00
325.00
MS63
—
700.00
MS65
—
4,000.00
Sharply struck with nice luster. One die had a chip on the corn ear resulting in a small
blob of extra metal on the coin. Another had chips in several places. Die clashes are
fairly common.
David Lawrence
25
1893
(con't)
No. 101. 1893/2-P
26
The Complete Guide to Barber Dimes
1 893-0
Mintage:
Varieties:
Scarcity:
Value:
Comments:
1,760,000
None known.
Fairly tough in all grades.
Rarity Rating: G-VG R3; F-VF R3; XF-AU R4; MS R3.
Total PCGS/NGC = 42 (RANKING 31/74).
G
1947
F
2.00
XF
—
MS60
4.00
MS63
—
1991
CDN
13.00
1 1.00
35.00
45.00
55.00
70.00
225.00
200.00
—
450.00
Typical O-mint strike. Sharply struck pieces are worth a premium. Luster sometimes
frosty, but often subdued. Prices for F-XF grades fluctuated for a few years because of
hoarding by a western dealer/collector. Now they seem to be stable
David Lawrence
27
1893-S
Mintage: 2,491,401
Varieties: Shelf doubling, both east and west, is common in this date. Combined with the true
RPM, it resulted in the 'triple S.' Only a double S appeared on the die. The third was
produced during striking. The triple-s is collectible because of its availability. Breen also
lists an "ugly 3' and an overdate. Wexler & Miller reports an 1893-S/S West, but
doesn't illustrate it. Hustad discovered an S/S South.
No. 101 -1893-S/S East. True RPM (photo). The S was first punched too far to the
east (right) and then partially erased. It can be distinguished from the shelf-doubled
S/S by the space between the two mint marks.
No, 102 — Triple-S (photo, also in Breen). The RPM is to the east, the shelf doubling
to the west.
No. 103 1893-S/S South (photo of Hustad specimen). The mint mark was first
punched too low, then partially effaced.
Scarcity: Hard to find in mid-grades, mint-state specimens are scarcer than expected. Probably
less than one out of five are No. 101 and half of these are No. 102. Both are very
scarce in mint state. I know of one triple-s graded MS64 by PCGS. Two other mint
state specimens (uncertified), not as nice, appeared in a recent Stack's auction.
Rarity Rating: G-VG R2; F-VF R3; XF-AU R4. MS R3.
Total PCGS/NGC = 39 (RANKING 28/74).
Value ( 93-S):
1947
1991
CDN
G
6.00
4.60
F
2.00
12.00
13.50
XF
—
32.00
26.00
MS60
8.50
200.00
175.00
MS63
/alues S/S & Triple-S:
No. 101
No. 102
440.00
G
10.00
15.00
F
20.00
30.00
XF
45.00
60.00
MS60
250.00
350.00
MS63
450.00
750.00
28
The Complete Guide to Barber Dimes
1 893-S
(con t)
Comments: Sharply struck with nice luster and sometimes p/I. Hustad has two specimens with
extensive fine die cracks around the obverse perimeter. The die crack patterns of the
two are different.
The 1893-S is quite scarce in MS64 and above. Nice specimens are probably a good
investment at 1990 levels. Varieties can sometimes be cherry-picked at shows.
No. 103. 1893-S/S South
David Lawrence
29
1894
Mintage:
Varieties:
Scarcity:
Value:
Comments:
1.330,972 Proofs: 972
A repunched date. Breen also reports several date positions, with the 4 varying from
touching the bust to barely free to more distant.
No. 101 -1894-P completely repunched date. The first date shows clearly below the
second (photo).
Sought after in VG to AU. Available in MS. Proofs are not regarded as ‘better dates."
Rarity Rating: G-VG R2. F-VF R3, XF-AU R4, MS R2.
Total PCGS/NGC = 57 (RANKING 38/74).
1947
1991
CDN
G
—
10.00
5.50
F
1.50
40.00
35.00
XF
—
75.00
65.00
MS60
3.50
220.00
190.00
MS63
—
—
425.00
Sharply struck with nice luster. Sometimes proof-like. Like the 1893-0, prices for F-XF
specimens rollercoasted in recent years because of hoarding. The value of No. 101 is
not yet established.
No 101 1894-P, repunched date
30
The Complete Guide to Barber Dimes
1 894-0
Mintage:
Varieties:
Scarcity:
Value:
Comments:
720,000
None reported. Hustad has a specimen with extensive light die cracks on the obverse.
It also displays minor clash marks.
One of the semi-keys in low grade, a key in AU and above. VF-XF specimens are
usually available for a price. Nice AU specimens are extremely hard to come by.
Rarity Rating: G-VG R.; F-VF R4, XF-AU R5, MS R5, but R6 in MS64 and above.
Total PCGS/NGC = 18 (RANKING 7/74).
1947
1991
CDN
G
—
32.00
25.00
F
5.00
75.00
80.00
XF
—
250.00
225.00
MS60
9.00
1,000.00
725.00
MS63
—
—
1,900.00
Fairly well struck for an O-mint. A PCGS MS65 with deep p/I fields sold for $20,000
plus 10% buyer's fee at a Heritage auction in November, 1989. Very desirable in high
grade.
David Lawrence
31
1 894-S
The 1894-S is the only true rarity in the Barber Dime series. Of the 24 pieces minted, just 10 are
known today. Two are bw-grade specimens while the others have survived without wear, though some
have defects. The 10 specimens are well known and all have 'pedigrees.' A supposed 11 th specimen -
the Mitchelson-Connecticut State Library coin (Stack's #8, Breen #9) - does not exist.
The circumstances surrounding the production and distribution of the 1894-S remain a mystery. In
April 1928, The Numismatist (p. 236-237) gave an account by Farran Zerbe, a former president of the
ANA. The coins were struck, Zerbe said, to provide the 40 cents needed to close a bullion account at the
San Francisco Mint by June 30, 1894, the end of the fiscal year. Any even dollar amount ending in 40
cents being all right, the employees struck 24. Supposedly mint employees did not realize they were
creating a rarity because they thought they would receive orders to produce additional dimes before the
end of the calender year. But December 31 passed without a request for further dime production. Two or
3 pieces were obtained by mint employees 'just to have a new dime,’ Zerbe said; when they realized the
coins were now rare, they sold them to collectors for $25 or more apiece. The remaining 1894-S dimes
went into a bag with other dimes and into circulation. (At the time of the Numismatist article, only 3 or 4
specimens had been found.)
Zerbe's information, which he said was "obtained from the San Francisco Mint in 1905," is similar
to an earlier account by J.C. Mitchelson, a Kansas City collector. Mitchelson said he was told by mint
employees that only 14 of the 24 coins went into circulation, the others being restruck and presumably
melted (Numismatist, 1900, No. 6). This 'unintentional rarity' theory is probably the explanation the San
Francisco Mint wanted to put out, rather than admit what may actually have occurred.
What really happened? In 1972 coin journalist James Johnson attempted a complete accounting
of the 1894-S story. After the article ran in Coin World Collectors' Clearinghouse (9/13/72) he received a
letter from Guy Chapman of California. Chapman wrote that he had been shown 2 of the dimes in 1954
by California coin dealer Earl Parker, just after Parker had acquired them from Hallie Daggett, daughter of
the San Francisco Mint superintendent in 1894. Hallie Daggett told Parker that when some bankers
discovered that dimes were not scheduled for production in 1894 they asked her father to make a few.
According to her account, he had the 24 made and presented three each to seven people, keeping 3 for
himself. He then gave his to Hallie, telling her to keep them because they would be valuable some day.
Hallie said she spent one on ice cream, but kept the other two until 1954 when she sold them to Parker
Interestingly, a similar story (referring to a "Ukiah banker' and his daughter) was printed in a San Francisco
newspaper in 1950 and related in the Numismatic Scrapbook in 1951 (February issue, p 184).
So there are basically two theories: The 'Unintentional Rarity' theory and the "Made for Banker
Friends" theory. Today, most experts accept the second one (though if true, Hallie must have sold her
dimes before the 1950 San Francisco article). The 8 high-grade survivors are cohsidered to be in proof
32
The Complete Guide to Barber Dimes
1 894-S
(con't)
condition - they seem to have come from specially prepared dies and were carefully struck. As Art Kagin, an
Iowa dealer who has handled several pieces, points out, this would not have been done just to round out
the books. But the special treatment would hardly be surprising for presentation pieces.
In 1972 Johnson listed 9 specimens. Recently, Breen listed 12 in his 'Complete Encyclopedia of U.S.
and Colonial Coins' (1988), but Stack's reduced this to 11 in its auction catalog discussion of the James Stack
specimen in January, 1990.
In research for this book, Phil Carrigan, a BCCS member from Illinois, found that the so-called
Mitchelson-Connecticut State Library specimen (Stack's No.8, Breen No. 9) does not exist. This reduces the
current number of known specimens to 10. Mitchelson had written The Numismatist that he "discovered" an
1894-s while on a business trip to San Francisco in 1900. His coin collection was bequeathed to the
Connecticut State Library in 1913 and it has long been assumed that it included an 1894-S. (Breen lists this
specimen as 'unverified.’) According to Dave Corrigan, museum curator of the Library, the coin is not listed
in records kept by Mitchelson dating back to 1902 - nor is it in an inventory taken when the library received
the collection. A copy of the Connecticut State Library curator's letter to Phil was recently published in the
BCCS Journal (II #4).
VARIETIES: I believe only one set of dies was used. At one time Breen believed there were two obverses
and designated six of his 12 listed specimens as one or the other (Breen, 1977). However, the 5 specimens
shown here all seem to have come from the same die though two of them (Nos. 3 & 5) were assigned to
different dies by Breen. Considering all have the same reverse, it is difficult to imagine why two obverses
would have been used to make just 24 pieces. (Recently, Breen told me he is no longer sure there are
different obverses.)
VALUE: The value of a rare coin like the 1894-S depends more on the economic conditions of the time
than on price guides. The two worn specimens have recently brought about $35,000 each. The Jerry Buss
specimen, which is a somewhat damaged proof, has recently brought from $50,000 to $71,000. The James
Stack specimen, perhaps the finest example of the date, could bring $500,000 or more in the right
economic climate.
COMMENTS: Counterfeits exist and have fooled professionals over the years. One group from the
Philippines in the late 1970s shows suspicious marks around the date and has the type of 'S' found only in
later dates of the series. Breen notes that genuine dimes have telltale rectangular defects on the base and
top of the E of DIME. Stack's notes most high-grade specimens display faint vertical striations, indicating
hasty planchet preparation (Stack's 55th Anniv. sale, pi 95).
REFERENCES: You can read more on the 1894-S in James Johnson's articles in Collectors' Clearinghouse
(1972) and Rare Coin Review, No. 64 (1987); Walter Breen's encyclopedias (1977 and 1988); and in recent
auction catalogs from Bowers & Merena, Stack's and Superior Galleries where specimens of this rarity have
been offered.
David Lawrence
33
1 894-S
(con't)
THE KNOWN SPECIMENS
(Names have been added for easier identification as so many numbers have been used in recent years.)
No. 3: James Stack Specimen
34
The Complete Guide to Barber Dimes
1 894-S
(con't)
No. 9: Ice Cream Specimen
No. 1: NEWCOMER SPECIMEN (Stacks 8 1; Breen ttl; Johnson U2)
Newcomer, Boyd, 1946 A. Kosoff. Will W. Neil $2,350, B. Max Mehl. 1961 Hydeman: 337 ($13,000),
Kosoff, Bowers-Empire, Hazen Hinman, Jim Kelly, Leo Young, RARCOA Auction '80:1578, Ron Gillio 1986
NCNA ($145,000), private collector ($93,100). Choice Proof.
No. 2: ELLASBERG ESTATE SPECIMEN (Stack s 82; Breen 82; Johnson #3)
John H. Clapp, Stack's, Eliasberg estate.
No. 3: JAMES STACK SPECIMEN (Stack s 83; Breen 83&4; Johnson 86 & 88)
John H. Clapp, Louis Eliasberg, Sr. 1947 Stack's H.R. Lee:348 (first time it was auctioned). Stack's James A.
Stack: 206 (sold Jan. 1990 for $250,000 + 10%). Subsequently graded PRF 66 by PCGS. Rose, steel blue and
pale violet toning. (Photo reshot from Stack's auction catalog by Mulvaney.)
No. 4: DAGGETT-PARKER-BROWN SPECIMEN (Stack's 84; Breen 85; Johnson #5)
Hallie Daggett, Earl Parker (1954), Dan Brown, Stack's, Chicago private collector. Presumed to be in high
grade.
David Lawrence
35
1 894-S
(con't)
No. 5: DAGGETT-PARKER-JOHNSON SPECIMEN (Stacks #5; Breen 06; Johnson #9)
Hallie Daggett, Earl Parker (1954), W.R. Johnson, Abner Kreisberg. World-Wide Coin, Bowers & Ruddy Rare
Coin Review No. 21 (1974) offered at $ 97,500. Sold to a midwestem collector. “Toned superb gem proof.'
(Photo reshot from Bowers & Ruddy Rare Coin Review by Mulvaney.)
No. 6: JERRY BUSS SPECIMEN (Stacks 06; Breen #7; Johnson 012)
Hallie Daggett, "a relative,' Earl Parker, James Kelly, Malcolm Chell-Frost, F.S. Guggenheimer:772, 1973
Kagin MANA: 1 1 14, Superior Galleries, Jerry Buss:617 ($46,000+ 10%), Michelle Johnson 1988 Superior:
4510 $64,000 + 10%. Called "Extremely Fine' in Kagin sale because of reverse defects. On the reverse there
is a vertical scratch and what appears to be a planchet flaw on the lower right extending into the mint
mark. In the Superior sales it was graded PRF 60. Authenticated by ANACS (photo courtesy of Superior
Galleries).
No. 7: NORWEB SPECIMEN (Stack's 07; Breen 08; Johnson 04)
Charles A. Cass, 1957 Stack's Empire sale:881 $4,750, Bowers & Ruddy, Q. David Bowers, Mrs. Norweb,
1987 Bowers & Merena Norweb:584 $ 70,00 + 10%, 1990 Stack's 55th Anniv.:504 $ 85,000 + 10%.
Recently graded PR 62 by NGC. Has a significant mark on Liberty's cheek. Maple leaf below D is weakly
struck. Faint vertical striations on the reverse. Light lilac and gray overtoning on gold. (Photo courtesy of
Bowers & Merena; Stack's also provided a photo.)
No. 8: RAPPAPORT SPECIMEN (Stacks 09; Breen 010; Johnson 01)
Rappaport, A Kagin, Reuter, Kreisberg, Bowers & Ruddy, Pennsylvania estate.
No. 9: ICE CREAM SPECIMEN (Stacks 010; Breen 011; Johnson 07)
Robert Friedberg bought this coin over the counter at Gimbels Department Store, NY, in 1957, A. Kagin,
New Netherlands 51:581, A. Kagin, Harmer Rooke I 1 /69, James G. Johnson (the researcher of the 1894-S).
1980 Steve Ivy ANA: 1804, $31,000, Bowers & Merena 1981 ANA:2921 $25,000, 1989 Bowers &
Merena: 191 $31,000 + 10%. Grades G4 with old reverse scratch through ONE DIME plus some other light
circulation marks on the obverse. Graded VG by New Netherlands. Authenticated after Ivy sale by ANACS to
Numismatic Funding Corp. Though referred to as the 'Ice Cream Specimen,' there is no reason to be sure
that it actually is. No. 10, below, is also well worn and any of the 14 missing specimens could have been
the one spent by Hallie Daggett. (Photo courtesy of Bowers & Merena.)
No. 10: ROMITO-MONTESANO SPECIMEN (Stacks 011; Breen 012; Johnson 010)
Romito (acquired in 1911), Montesano, consigned to Stack's 1942, but withdrawn. 1990 sold by Lauri
Sperber in private sale for about $35,000. Graded AG3 by NGC. Has an obverse circular cut.
36
The Complete Guide to Barber Dimes
Mintage:
Varieties:
Scarcity:
Value:
Comments:
1895
690,880 Proofs: 880
Breen reports a double date and also several date-position varieties in both proofs
and business strikes. Hustad has a specimen with a doubled date (south), but the CA
in AMERICA is also doubled in a shelf-doubled fashion (photo).
Scarcer in circulated grades than mint state. Even nice, full-rimmed Goods are hard to
find. Mint-state specimens are expensive and probably overrated. Proofs are not better
dates.
Rarity Ratings: G-VG R3, F-VF R4, XF-AU R5, MS R3.
Total PCGS/NGC = 48 (RANKING 34/74).
1947
1991
CDN
G
—
55.00
42.50
F
3.50
100.00
150.00
XF
—
225.00
220.00
MS60
5.50
550.00
475.00
MS63
—
—
850.00
Though high-grade specimens are usually fully struck, VG-F pieces often show little
wreath detail.
David Lawrence
37
1895-0
Mintage:
Varieties:
Scarcity:
Value:
Comments:
440.000
Three date positions, according to J.T. Donohue (BCCS II #3): The 5 touching the bust,
the 5 near the bust and the 5 far from the bust. Breen reports two mint-mark varieties,
heavy and thin (at top and bottom). Donohue illustrates these (BCCS II #4).
The unquestioned key to the set (disregarding the 1894-S). Available for a price in G to
F. Difficult to locate in VF and in great demand in XF and above. High-grade
specimens often sell for 25-50% premiums over listed prices, even in mint state. The
thin mint-mark variety is apparently quite scarce in any grade.
Rarity Rating: G-VG R3, F-VF R4. XF-AU R6, MS R6.
Total PCGS/NGC = 14 (RANKING tied for 3/74).
G
1947
1991
150.00
CDN
100.00
F
12.50
225.00
310.00
XF
30.00
425.00
575.00
MS60
—
1 . 000.00
1,200.00
MS63
—
—
2,900.00
MS65
—
—
7,500.00
Fairly well struck for an O-mint. I have seen one PCGS MS63 that was extremely well
struck, but most are not as nice. Often collected in cleaned condition, sometimes with
minor problems, because of cost and scarcity. Nice original specimens are highly
prized. Prices rose sharply in 1990 in response to the increasing popularity of the
series. Future increases seem likely.
38
The Complete Guide to Barber Dimes
1895-S
Mintage:
Varieties:
Scarcity:
Value:
Comments:
1,120,000
A repunched date. Breen reports a double S. A shelf-doubled S is very common in this
date, but I have not seen an S/S that looked like it was in the die.
No. 1011 895-S, repunched date (photo). The 5 was first placed too close to the
bust and then repunched lower down. Some doubling is also evident on the other
digits. A fairly obvious and exciting variety. Breen notes the variety also has a double S,
but I would guess the latter was due to shelf doubling.
Available in full-rimmed Good, but tough in any higher grade. Possibly the scarcest
date (excluding the 1894-S) in MS64 and above. For example, no MS64 and only 1
MS65 (none higher) in PCGS; 3 MS64 and 1 MS65 in NGC. Quite surprising since this
date often comes nice.
Rarity Rating: G-VG R3. F-VF R3. XF-AU R4, MS R4 (R6 in MS 64 and above).
Total PCGS/NGC = 28 (RANKING 19/74).
1947
1991
CDN
G
—
14.00
14.00
F
2.50
30.00
38.00
XF
—
65.00
65.00
MS60
17.50
225.00
225.00
MS63
—
—
750.00
Comes well struck and often with proof-like fields. The scarcity of No. 101 has not yet
been established, but it should be worth a considerable premium. Breen calls it 'rare."
The small spread between the 1991 Red Book and CDN prices shows that this date,
like many other better dates of the series, has actively risen.
David Lawrence
39
1 895-S
(con't)
40
The Complete Guide to Barber Dimes
Mintage:
Varieties:
Scarcity:
Value:
Comments:
1896
2,000,762 Proofs: 762
A partially repunched date. Breen also reports minor date position varieties.
No. 101 -1896-P, partially repunched date (photo), evident in lower loop of the 9
and to the east of the 6.
Often overlooked as a better date. At least as tough to find as the 1894-P, perhaps
tougher.
Rarity Rating: G-VG R2, F-VF R3. XF-AU R3, MS R2 (but almost R3).
Total PCGS/NGC = 59 (RANKING 40/74)
1947
1991
CDN
G
—
5.00
4.00
F
0.75
15.00
14.00
XF
—
40.00
30.00
MS60
2.75
170.00
1 25.00
MS63
—
—
300.00
Comes fairly nice, sometimes proof-like. Currently underrated in XF-MS grades.
No. 101. 1896-P, partially repunched date
David Lawrence
41
1 896-0
Mintage:
Varieties:
Scarcity:
Value:
Comments:
610,000
Breen reports an 'extra heavy date,” caused by repeated repunching.
Available in G-F for a price, but extremely tough to find above this. Like the 1895-0,
demand exceeds supply from VF-MS63. The few certified MS64 and MS65 specimens
always command significant premiums, if properly graded.
Rarity Rating: G-VG R3, F-VF R4, XF-AU R5. MS R5.
Total PCGS/NGC = 19 (RANKING 10/75).
1947
1991
CDN
G
—
42.50
32.00
F
3.50
100.00
100.00
XF
—
200.00
220.00
M$60
7.50
575.00
475.00
MS63
—
—
1,050.00
Strike is typical of an O-mint in the series, though better than some other New Orleans
issues. One of the 'magic' dates of the series. Worth over $3,000 in MS64. I have
seen PCGS graded MS65 coins sell for close to $ 10,000 when the CDN level was
$6,500.
42
The Complete Guide to Barber Dimes
1 896-S
Mintage:
Varieties:
Scarcity:
Value:
Comments:
575,056
None known. Don't be fooled by shelf-doubled S/S coins. One die has chips on the
corn ear and leaves below.
Probably the second toughest date to find in Good (1894-s excluded). Underrated in
Fine and above. About the same scarcity as the 1896-0, but lower priced because of
the attraction that New Orleans coins have in general.
Rarity Rating: G-VG R3, F-VF R4, XFVMJ R5, MS high R4
Total PCGS/NGC = 22 (RANKING 12/74).
1947
1991
CDN
G
—
35.00
30.00
F
4.00
65.00
65.00
XF
—
135.00
140.00
MS60
18.50
400.00
450.00
MS63
—
—
750.00
Can be found with sharp detail and nice luster. Sometimes proof-like. Historically
undervalued, compared with the 1896-0 and 1897-0, but values have been catching
up rapidly. This date shows up on most collectors' want lists, but hasn't brought the
premiums of the more magical dates.
David Lawrence
43
1897
Mintage:
Varieties:
Scarcity:
Value:
Comments:
10.869,264 Proofs: 731
Jonathan Kern recently discovered a clearly repunched date, which Tom Mulvaney
photographed for this book. Joe Haney provided an example with a lightly
repunched date. Breen reports both proof and business strikes come with the 7
touching and free of the bust ('date positional varieties"). He also reports a variety
with an incomplete wreath, due to repolished dies. Also, one die had extensive die
chips in the reverse.
No. 101 -1897-P Repunched date (photo). The first date is clear to the west of the
repunched date.
No. 102 1897-P, 9/9 (photo). Repunching is visible inside the lower loop of the 9.
A common date, but not as common as the 1892-P or later P-mints.
Rarity Rating: G-VG Rl, F-VF Rl. XF-AU R2. MS R1.
Total PCGS/NGC = 179 (RANKING 62/74).
1947
1991
CDN
G
—
1.25
0.80
F
0.75
3.00
2.15
XF
—
18.00
15.00
MS60
2.25
1 50.00
90.00
MS63
—
—
150.00
Comes sharply struck with nice luster. Considering the mintage, there should be more
varieties. Perhaps a date worthy of much closer scrutiny on the bourse floor.
44
The Complete Guide to Barber Dimes
1897
(con't)
David Lawrence
45
1 897-0
Mintage:
Varieties:
Scarcity:
Value:
Comments:
666,000
Breen reports two repunched-date varieties - one with repunching at the base of the
1, the other with a connection between the "crossbar of the 7 and the upper part of
the 9 ."
Traditionally ranked with the 1896-0 but, except for XF and AU grades, probably
easier to find. A surprising number of mint-state pieces have been certified by PCGS
and NGC.
Rarity Rating: G-VG R3. F-VF R4, XF-AU R5. MS R3.
Total PCGS/NGC = 40 (RANKING 29/74).
1947
1991
CDN
G
—
35.00
28.00
F
3.50
70.00
75.00
XF
—
200.00
175.00
MS60
20.00
650.00
475.00
MS63
—
—
1,050.00
A decent strike for an O-mint. Overrated in MS63 and above, but in strong demand by
collectors in MS63 and below.
46
The Complete Guide to Barber Dimes
1897-S
Mintage:
Varieties:
Scarcity:
Value:
Comments:
1,342,844
Breen reports an S/S East. When looking for this, be wary of shelf doubling.
The PCGS/NGC population reports show this date is far tougher than previously
thought in mint state. For example, the only grade with a PCGS population of more
than 1 is MS64. Like most early better dates of the series, hard to find in VG-AU.
Rarity Rating: G-VG R2, F-VF R3, XF-AU R4, MS R5.
Total PCGS/NGC = 18 (RANKING tied for 7/74)
1947
1991
CDN
G
—
7.00
5.50
F
2.00
20.00
22.00
XF
—
60.00
50.00
MS60
12.50
225.00
250.00
MS63
—
—
575.00
Decent strike, typical of S-mints. The mint state pieces I've handled were not that
flashy. At least 2 of the 8 PCGS MS64s have minor marks. Quite underrated in almost
all grades and likely to appreciate significantly in the ‘90s.
David Lawrence
47
1898
Mintage:
Varieties:
Scarcity:
Value:
Comments:
16.320.735 Proofs: 735
One repunched date (photo) and one overdate reported by Breen. In the latter, a line
within the final 8 seems to have the curvature of part of a 2. Also, one die has two
chips by the com ear, evident as extra metal in that area.
No. 101 -1898-P, 98/98 (photo). Difficult to see, but most obvious inside the upper
part of the 9 (coin courtesy of Haney).
A common date in most grades. Slightly better than some of the later P-mints in XF
and AU.
Rarity Rating: RI in all grades.
Total PCGS/NGC = 255 (RANKING
69/74).
1947
1991
CDN
G —
1.25
0.80
F 0.75
3.00
2.15
XF
18.00
15.00
MS60 2.25
1 50.00
90.00
MS63
—
150.00
Comes well struck with nice luster.
No 101 1898-P. 98/98
48
The Complete Guide to Barber Dimes
1898-0
Mintage:
Varieties:
Scarcity:
Value:
Comments:
2,130,000
Breen reports an ‘extra heavy date” variety, possibly caused by a blurring of the
figures due to repeated repunching.
Much scarcer than its mintage suggests. In fact, one of the toughest dates in the
series, especially in well-struck condition. Mint state examples are extremely scarce.
Rarity Rating: G-VG R2, F-VF R3, XF-AU R5, MS R6.
Total PCGS/NGC = 14 (RANKING 3/74).
1947
1991
CDN
G
—
3.25
2.75
F
2.25
15.00
22.00
XF
—
60.00
65.00
MS60
13.50
300.00
275.00
MS63
—
—
700.00
Often poorly struck around the periphery so that LIBERTY is incomplete even in mint
state (the last few letters are wiped out). Well struck pieces command a considerable
premium in XF and above. Because of the poor strike, F-XF specimens, graded by the
usual rule of full to strong LIBERTY are tough to find. Specimens with nice luster grade
at least AU despite the lack of detail. Look for sharpness in Liberty's head wreath to
help you grade this date. High-grade coins may well be 'cherry picked" from dealers'
stock, if dealers are unfamiliar with the date. Sometimes comes with proof-like fields.
David Lawrence
49
1 898-S
Mintage: 1,702,507
Varieties: A repunched date, shown here, and 'overdate' reported by Breen and a variety with
'very thin numerals,' also listed in Breen.
No. 101 -1898-S, repunched date (photo). The earlier date shows lightly to the
east.
Scarcity:
Value:
This is a 'Philippine hoard' date (see Glossary). Tougher than the 1899-S and 1900-S,
which also went to the Philippines, but XF and AU specimens are sometimes available,
especially on the West Coast. Mint-state pieces are scarcer than the mintage implies
because they were apparently not saved in uncirculated condition in the islands.
Rarity Rating: G-VG R2, F-VF R3, XF-AU R4. MS R5.
Total PCGS/NGC = 18 (RANKING 7/74).
1947
1991
CDN
G
—
3.25
2.65
F
2.25
9.00
8.50
XF
—
30.00
27.00
MS60
1 2.50
175.00
190.00
MS63
—
—
540.00
Comments: Comes well struck with nice luster. Cleaned coins are common, especially in mid¬
grades.
No. 101 1898-S, repunched date
50
The Complete Guide to Barber Dimes
Mintage:
Varieties:
Scarcity:
Value:
Comments:
1899
19,580,846 Proofs: 846
Breen and Spadone report a double date. The Haney coin (photo) has a very light
repunching in both 9s, best seen in the second 9. Considering the mintage, more
varieties should exist.
No. 101 - 1899-P, 99/99 (photo).
A common date in all grades. Perhaps slightly better than some of the late P-mints in
AU.
Rarity Rating: Rl in ail grades
Total PCGS/NGC = 172 (RANKING 61/74).
1947
1991
CDN
G
—
1.25
0.80
F
0.75
3.00
2.15
XF
—
18.00
15.00
MS60
2.25
1 50.00
90.00
Comes well struck with nice luster
No. 101. 1899-P, 99/99
David Lawrence
51
1 899-0
Mintage:
Varieties:
Scarcity:
2,650,000
Two repunched dates and one RPM. Of the RPDs, the first. No. 101 below, is fairly
well known. The second has the earlier 899 punched to the east.
No. 101 -1899-0, 99/99. The 9s were first punched quite a bit lower. The tops of
the earlier 9s show clearly inside the upper loops of the current date and also below
the second 9 (photo). This variety can sometimes be noticed in low-grade specimens
as well.
No. 102-1899-0, 899/899 Northeast (photo of Hustad specimen). Remnants of
first date appear at upper right of 8 and both 9s.
No. 103 -1899-0 , mintmark 0/0 (photo). The earlier O shows partially to the
west. Other 0/0 mint marks exist in this date, but these seem to be from shelf
doubling (photo).
Surprisingly scarce considering its mintage. Virtually as tough as the 1898-0 in every
grade. No. 101 is at least a rarity rating higher in each grade. The scarcity of No. 102
is unknown.
Rarity Rating: G-VG R2, F-VF R3. XF-AU R4. MS High R5.
Total PCGS/NGC = 17 (RANKING 6/74).
Value (Normal Date):
1947
1991
CDN
G
—
3.25
2.50
F
1.50
12.00
17.00
XF
—
50.00
60.00
MS60
12.50
300.00
260.00
MS63
—
—
685.00
Estimated Value (No. 101):
G
F
XF
MS60
MS63
10.00
30.00
100.00
350.00
875.00
Comments: Comes weakly struck, but a little better than the 1898-0. Sharply struck specimens are
worth a premium. Like most of the tougher dates in the series, this coin has strong
collector demand from F-MS63. No. 101, one of the better known varieties, has sold a
considerable premium for years. The NGC-certified MS65 specimen in the Stack's 55th
Anniversary auction is not only a No. 101, but also has a strongly doubled mint mark.
52
1 899-0
(con't)
David Lawrence
53
1 899-S
Mintage:
Varieties:
Scarcity:
Value:
Comments:
1.867,493
Breen reports a variety with a repunched 9 and S. A shelf-doubled S is common for
this date. Since this double-S is not in the die, each coin is theoretically unique and
shelf-doubled coins are not considered collectible varieties.
Similar to, but slightly more abundant than, the 1898-S. As a Philippine hoard date,
more available in XF and AU (usually cleaned) than would otherwise be expected.
Mint-state coins are scarce.
Rarity Rating: G-VG R2. F-VF R2, XF-AU R3, MS high R3.
Total PCGS/NGC = 30 (RANKING 22/74).
1947
1991
CDN
G
—
3.25
2.65
F
2.25
8.00
8.00
XF
—
30.00
25.00
MS60
12.50
175.00
165.00
MS63
—
—
400.00
Comes well struck with nice luster. Sometimes proof-like.
54
The Complete Guide to Barber Dimes
1900
Mintage:
Varieties:
Scarcity:
Value:
Comments:
17,600,912 Proofs: 912
Breen illustrates a coin with the final O doubled. He reports that date positional
varieties also exist within coins of the normal date.
A common date, but tougher than most later P -mints, particularly in VF-AU.
Rarity Rating: G-VG R1. F-VF R1, XF-AU R2, MS R1
Total PCGS/NGC = 1 16 (RANKING 53/74).
1947
1991
CDN
G
—
1.25
0.80
F
0.75
3.00
2.15
XF
—
18.00
15.00
MS60
2.25
1 50.00
90.00
MS63
—
—
1 50.00
Comes well struck with satiny luster.
David Lawrence
55
1 900-0
Mintage:
Varieties:
Scarcity:
Value:
Comments:
2 , 010,000
None reported.
The most underrated coin in the set. in circulated grades above VG its scarcity rivals
the 1895-0. In mint state it is even tougher.
Rarity Rating: G-VG R3, F-VF R4+, XF-AU R5+, MS R6.
Total PCGS/NGC = 1 I (RANKING 2/74).
1947
1991
CDN
G
—
4.50
3.65
F
2.00
15.00
22.00
XF
—
65.00
80.00
MS60
12.50
325.00
300.00
MS63
—
—
875.00
Poorly struck with lackluster surfaces. Rarely seen in any grade above Fine. Demand
will always exceed supply. "Commands' a premium above published price guidelines.
56
The Complete Guide to Barber Dimes
1 900-S
Mintage:
Varieties:
Scarcity:
Value:
Comments:
5,168,270
Breen reports a repunched date with the final 0 doubled.
A Philippine hoard date. Available in all circulated grades, but probably toughest in F.
Slightly more common than the 1898-S and 1899-S, especially in mint state.
Rarity Rating: G-VG R2, F-VF high R2. XF-AU R2. MS high R2.
Total PCGS/NGC = 57 (RANKING 38/74).
1947
1991
CDN
G
—
2.00
1.60
F
2.25
5.00
4.50
XF
—
25.00
18.00
MS60
12.50
175.00
1 20.00
MS63
—
—
300.00
Comes well struck with nice luster
David Lawrence
57
1901
Mintage:
Varieties:
Scarcity:
Value:
18.860,478 Proofs: 478
New hubs were introduced in 1901. The 1901 -P comes with the new obverse, but
both the new and old reverses (see "Major Design Changes'). There may be four
different repunched date varieties. Breen reports a proof with 01/01 and a business
strike with 19/19. Haney has two, listed here, which are probably different from
Breen's.
No. 101 - 1901-P, repunched date. Shows most clearly below 9 and last 1 (photo of
Haney coin).
No. 102 1901-P, repunched date. The 9 and 0 are clearly doubled, the first 1
slightly so (photo of Haney coin).
A common date, but tougher than later P-mints. The scarcity of repunched dates is
unknown since they really haven't been looked for.
Rarity Rating: R1 in all grades.
Total PCGS/NGC = I 47 (RANKING 56/74).
1947
1991
CDN
G
—
1.25
0.80
F
0.75
3.00
2.15
XF
—
18.00
15.00
MS60
2.50
1 50.00
90.00
MS63
—
—
150.00
Comments: Comes well struck with decent luster.
58
The Complete Guide to Barber Dimes
1901-0
Mintage:
Varieties:
Scarcity:
Value:
Comments:
5,620,000
Found with the second (new) hub obverse, but both reverse hubs. Haney has two
repunched dates. There are also two repunched mint marks: the well-known
O/horizontal O and an RPM reported by Breen with the first mint mark punched well
to the east.
No. 101 - 1901-0 0/0 in date (photo)
No. 102 - 1901-0, 9/9. The repunching shows inside the left side of the 9 (I have
only seen the low-grade specimen shown in the photo).
No. 103 - 1901-0, O/horizontal O (photo - coin provided by Brian Greer)
Easily obtainable from G-XF. Scarce in AU and mint state.
Rarity Rating: G-VG R2, F-VF R3, XF -AU R3, MS R4. No. 103 is R4 in F-XF,
probably R5 in higher grades.
Total PCGS/NGC (regular 1901-0) = 27 (RANKING I 7/74).
1947
1991
CDN
G
—
2.00
1.65
F
1.50
5.00
4.75
XF
—
42.00
32.00
MS60
8.50
300.00
225.00
MS63
—
—
640.00
Another O-mint that has been underrated. Comes softly struck, but better than some
other O-mints. Luster sometimes disappointing.
David Lawrence
59
1901-0
(con't)
60
The Complete Guide to Barber Dimes
1 901 -S
Mintage:
Varieties:
Scarcity:
Value:
Comments:
593,022
The 16 specimens examined all had new obverse and old reverse hubs. No varieties
reported.
Only the ‘95-0, '96-S & ‘13-S have lower mintages than this date {'94-S also). Relatively
scarce in all grades, but usually available, though pricey
Rarity Rating: G-VG R3, F-VF R3, XF-AU R4, MS high R4.
Total PCGS/NGC = 22 (RANKING: tied for 12/74).
G
1947
F
3.00
XF
—
MS60
27.50
MS63
—
1991
CDN
32.50
26.50
80.00
86.00
200.00
260.00
800.00
625.00
—
1,050.00
Comes well struck with decent luster. Sometimes proof-like. Possibly fully priced at
present, though only time will tell if this date is as scarce as once thought.
David Lawrence
61
1902
Mintage:
Varieties:
Scarcity:
Value:
Comments:
21,380,777 Proofs: 777
None reported. All seem to come from the new hubs.
A common date but scarcer than the later P-mints.
Rarity Rating: G-VG Rl. F-VF Rl, XF-AU Rl, MS R2.
Total PCGS/NGC = 97 (RANKING 51/74).
G
1947
F
0.50
XF
—
MS60
2.00
MS63
—
1991
CDN
1.25
0.80
3.00
2.15
18.00
15.00
1 50.00
90.00
—
150.00
Comes well struck with nice luster. According to Breen, proofs of this and later years
have 'semibrilliant rather than frosty" devices.
62
The Complete Guide to Barber Dimes
1902-0
Mintage:
Varieties:
Scarcity:
Value:
Comments:
4,500,000
None reported, although Breen reports some come with the lower half of the 2 filled
by a die chip. All seem to be made from new hubs.
Another New Orleans date that is much scarcer than its mintage implies. The scarcity
increases with condition. Mint-state specimens are surprisingly tough to find. For
example, there are fewer certified mint state pieces than of the 1903-S, which has a
much tower mintage.
Rarity Rating: G-VG R2, F-VF R3, XF-AU R3. MS R4.
Total PCGS/NGC = 26 (RANKING 16/74).
1947
1991
CDN
G
—
2.00
1 70
F
1.00
5.00
6.00
XF
—
27.50
24.00
MS60
10.00
225.00
225.00
MS63
—
—
575.00
CDN (wholesale) prices are similar to or exceed retail prices, indicating the date has
received substantial recognition recently. The 1902-0 comes with a typical O-mint
strike. That is, a bit softly struck, usually lacking hair detail on Liberty's forehead and
detail on some of the reverse leaves. This date is usually much better struck than the
1898-0, 1900-0 and 1907-0, but should not be compared with a typical S-mint or P-
mint date. Sometimes comes proof-like (Ehrmantrout).
David Lawrence
63
1 902-S
Mintage:
Varieties:
Scarcity:
Value:
Comments:
2.070,000
None reported. All seem to come from the new hubs.
A tough date in VF and above. About the same in scarcity as the 1902-0 in most
grades. Perhaps a bit tougher in XF and AU.
Rarity Rating: G -VG R2. F-VF R3, XF-AU R4. MS R4.
Total PCGS/NGC = 29 (RANKING 21/74).
1947
1991
CDN
G
—
3.00
2.65
F
2.00
12.00
13.00
XF
—
52.50
55.00
MS60
15.00
260.00
225.00
MS63
—
-
550.00
TTie 1902-0 and S relationship is typical of the Barber series. If the O-mint has a higher
mintage than the S-mint, they have similar scarcities. If the mintages are about the
same, then the O-mint coin will be quite a bit scarcer. (The years 1907 and 1909 are
exceptions, and in 1901 and 1903, the two mints had widely different mintages.)
64
The Complete Guide to Barber Dimes
1903
Mintage:
Varieties:
Scarcity:
Value:
Comments:
19,500.755 Proofs: 755
One repunched date.
No. 101 -1903-P, 1 /l, 3/3 (photo). The repunching of this specimen, provided by
Haney, shows most clearly to the right of the 1 and 3.
A common date but, like the 1900-P - 1902-P, tougher than the later P-mints.
Rarity Rating: G-VG Rl, F-VF Rl, XF-AU Rl, MS R3.
Total PCGS/NGC = 49 (RANKING 36/74)
G
1947
1991
1.25
CDN
0.80
F
0.50
3.00
2.15
XF
—
18.00
15.00
MS
2.00
1 50.00
90.00
MS63
—
1 50.00
Comes well struck with decent luster
David Lawrence
65
1 903-0
Mintage:
Varieties:
Scarcity:
Value:
Comments:
8,180,000
Breen reports two: a repunched 3 (the first 3 showing west) and another with
'double knobs.' In the latter, the first 3 shows east of the repunched 3 so that both
knobs of the 3 appear doubled. The double O mint mark shown in the photo seems
to be from shelf doubling.
A tough date considering its high mintage. AU and mint state specimen are especially
hard to find.
Rarity Rating: G-VG R2, F-VF R2, XF-AU R3, MS high R3.
Total PCGS/NGC = 32 (RANKING 23/74).
1947
1991
CDN
G
—
2.00
1.55
F
1.00
4.00
3.60
XF
—
25.00
20.00
MS60
6 00
225.00
185.00
MS63
—
—
450.00
Typical O-mint strike, similar to the 1902-0. Luster is generally subdued.
66
The Complete Guide to Barber Dimes
1 903-S
Mintage:
Varieties:
Scarcity:
Value:
Comments:
613,300
All seem to come from the new obverse, but old reverse hubs. Breen reports a
repunched 3.
Low mintage makes this one of the traditionally scarce dates of the series. It is in
demand in all circulated grades from VG to AU. Available for a price in MS64 and
higher.
Rarity Rating: GA/G R3. F-VF R4, XF-AU R5, MS R4.
Total PCGS/NGC = 27 (RANKING 17/74).
1947
1991
CDN
G
—
25.00
20.50
F
25.00
60.00
87.00
XF
—
200.00
260.00
MS60
12.50
600.00
500.00
MS63
—
—
900.00
Comes well struck with decent luster. Well worth the money. In fact, usually
commands a significant premium over published values from F to MS63 In 1990,
wholesale levels for XF rose well above retail levels, reflecting very strong demand for
this grade.
David Lawrence
67
1904
Mintage:
Varieties:
Scarcity:
Value:
Proofs: 670
Two repunched date varieties discovered by Haney.
No. 101 -1904-P, 0/0 (photo of Haney coin). The repunching shows clearly below
the O.
No. 102-1 904-P, I / 1, 9/9 (photo of Haney coin). Possibly a slight doubling of the
entire date. Shows most clearly below the 1 and 9.
A common date in circulated grades. A little tougher in mint state and very scarce in
MS65 and above. The scarcity of the varieties is unknown.
Rarity Rating: G-VG R1. F-VF R1, XF-AU R1, MS R2.
Total PCGS/NGC = 87 (RANKING 49/74).
1947
1991
CDN
G
—
1.25
0.80
F
0.50
3.00
2,15
XF
—
18.00
15.00
MS60
2.00
150.00
90.00
MS63
—
—
150.00
Comments: Comes well struck with decent luster.
lH1L tr»if trmf iftHf.
No. 102 1 904-P, 1/1.9/9
68
The Complete Guide to Barber Dimes
1 904-S
Mintage:
Varieties:
Scarcity:
Value:
Comments:
800,000
All seem to have the new obverse and reverse. No varieties reported
Scarce because of its low mintage. Similar to the 1903-S in all grades, but slightly
easier to find. Available for a price in MS64 and higher.
Rarity Rating: G-VG R2, F-VF R3, XF-AU R4. MS high R3.
Total PCGS/NGC - 34 (RANKING 24/74)
1947
1991
CDN
G
—
18.00
15.00
F
2.50
50.00
55.00
XF
—
160.00
160.00
MS60
12.50
550.00
440
MS63
—
—
925
Comes well struck with nice luster. Like most of the better dates, certified coins are in
strong demand by collectors in MS60-MS63. These grades will likely always carry a
premium over listed values.
David Lawrence
69
1905
Mintage:
Varieties:
Scarcity:
Value:
Comments:
14,552,350 Proofs: 727
There is a proof with a repunched 5. Haney has a specimen with a slight repunching
of the 9 and possibly of the 5. Breen also reports that "irregularities" are found in the
5, from the logotype.
A common date.
Rarity Rating: R1 in all grades.
Total PCGS/NGC =115 (RANKING 52/74).
1947
1991
CDN
G
—
1.25
0.80
F
0.50
3.00
2.15
XF
—
18.00
15.00
MS60
2 00
1 50.00
90.00
MS63
—
—
150.00
Comes well struck with nice luster.
70
The Complete Guide to Barber Dimes
1905-0
Mintage: 3,400,000
Varieties: Micro O mint mark. The mint mark punch was probably the one used for quarters.
The common mint mark has been called both a 'large O' and a 'medium O.’ The
latter appears correct.
No. 101 - 1905-0, micro-O (photo). Interestingly, Haney has discovered two
obverses (1 reverse) for this coin (BCCS II # 1).
Scarcity: A better date in circulated condition. Fairly tough in XF and AU. Quite a few mint state
specimens have been certified, indicating that a couple of rolls may have survived. The
micro-O is very scarce in VF and above. I know of only two mint state specimens -
one a toned NGC MS65, the other a white PCGS MS64. This variety is hoarded by
several collectors.
Rarity Rating (Regular O): G-VG R2, FA/F R3, XF-AU R3, MS R2.
Total PCGS/NGC = 77 includes micro-O (RANKING 45/74).
Rarity Rating (Micro O): G-VG R2, F-VF R4. XF-AU R6. MS R6.
Value (Reg. O):
G
1947
F
1.00
XF
—
MS60
3.25
MS63
—
1991
CDN
1.75
1.55
6.00
8.00
25.00
30.00
200.00
165.00
—
380.00
Estimated Retail Value of Micro O:
G
F
XF
MS60
MS63
3.50
25.00
100.00
600.00+
1 , 000 . 00 +
Comments: Decent strike for an O-mint, but not as sharp as P- or S-mint coins. The regular mint
mark is currently overpriced in MS65 and above. The micro-O has caught the fancy of
Barber enthusiasts and currently enjoys an unprecedented demand. There is no telling
what a flashy gem would bring at auction.
David Lawrence
71
1905-0
(con't)
1905-0. Regular O
No. 101. 1905-0, Micro O
72
The Complete Guide to Barber Dimes
1 905-S
Mintage:
Varieties:
Scarcity:
Value:
Comments:
6,855,199
Obverses are from the new hub, reverses from both new and old hubs. However,
those with the old reverse are scarce. A clear RPM, discovered by Steve Musil is shown
here.
No. 101 1905-S, S/S (photo of Musil coin). Note the double serif at the top of the
mint mark.
This is probably the most common mint-marked dime before 1908. It is far more
common than the 1903-0, which has a higher mintage. VF and XF specimens are
easily found on the bourse floor. The scarcity of No. 101 is unknown.
Rarity Rating: R2 in all grades
Total PCGS/NGC = 78 (RANKING 46/74)
1947
1991
CDN
G
—
1.75
1.60
F
0.75
5.00
4.50
XF
—
24.00
20.00
MS60
4.00
210.00
160.00
MS63
350.00
Comes well struck with nice luster
No. 101. 1905-S, S/S repunched mint mark
David Lawrence
73
1906
Mintage:
Varieties:
Scarcity:
Value:
Comments:
19,958,406 Proofs: 675
Quite a few repunched date variations are evident. Five different examples are shown
here.
No. 101 -1906-P, 6/inverted 6 (?). Bob Wolfe found this coin in his collection. It
looks like either the 6 was first punched in upside down, or the 9 was used (photo of
Wolfe coin).
No. 102-1906-P, 06/06. The 0 is slightly doubled west, the 6 clearly at the top
(photo).
No. 103-1906-P, 06/06 repunched east (photo of Haney coin).
No. 104-1906-P, repunched date. Shows clearest below the 1, but 6 is lightly
doubled as well (photo of Haney coin).
No. 105 1906-P, 19/19 South. This has the clearest doubling of the 9 of all the
RPDs of this date (photo).
A common date
Rarity Rating: R1 in all grades.
Total PCGS/NGC = 183 (RANKING 64/74).
1947
1991
CDN
G
—
1.25
0.80
F
0.50
3.00
2.15
XF
—
18.00
15.00
MS60
2.00
150.00
90.00
MS63
—
—
150.00
Comes well struck with nice luster.
74
The Complete Guide to Barber Dimes
1906
(con't)
No. 101. 1906-P, 6/inverted 6 (?)
No. 102 1906-P. 06/06
No. 103. 1906-P. 06/06 East
No. 104. 1906-P. repunched date No. 105. 1906-P. 19/19 South
David Lawrence
75
< 2 ?
1 906-D
Mintage:
Proofs:
Varieties:
Scarcity:
Value:
Comments:
4,060.000
Since this is the first year of the Denver Mint some proofs or presentation pieces may
exist. In 1989 NGC verified an MS64 as a "specimen" coin.
Like the 1906-P, there seem to be several repunched date varieties. Four are shown
here. There is also a possible RPM.
No. 101 -1906-D. 9/9 6/7. Similar to No. 101 of the 1906-P. The 9 is doubled
inside the lower loop (photo).
No. 102-1906-D. 6/6. The doubling shows in both loops of the 6 (photo of Haney
coin).
No. 103 1906-D. 6/6. The 6 is doubled at the top (photo).
No. 104 1906-D, 9/9 6/6. Similar to No. 101, but doubling inside the lower part of
the 9 is different (photo).
No. 105 1906-D. D/D. Although it appears to be a triple D, at least one of outlines
is due to shelf doubling (photo of Haney coin).
A slightly better date. Perhaps a little tougher in mint state than would be expected by
its mintage.
Rarity Rating: R2 in all circulated grades, R3 in mint-state.
Total PCGS/NGC = 48 (RANKING 34/74).
G
1947
F
0.50
XF
—
MS60
2.25
MS63
—
1991
CDN
2.00
1.60
5.00
4.00
23.00
18.5
190.00
1 10.00
—
300.00
Comes very well struck with nice luster. Quite a few coins were saved because this
was the first year of the Denver Mint.
76
The Complete Guide to Barber Dimes
1906-D
(con't)
No. 101. 1906-D, 9/9, 6/?
No. 102. 1906-D, 6/6
.f r
No. 103. 1906-D, 6/6
No. 104 1906-D, 9/9, 6/6
No. 105 1906-D, D/D, repunched mint mark (?) 1906-D/D. Shelf-doubled mint mark
David Lawrence
77
1 906-0
Mintage:
Varieties:
Scarcity:
Value:
Comments:
2.610.000
A 1906/6-0 was discovered by Dr. Charles Ruby (Breen) and a mint-state specimen
with a repunched 6 was recently auctioned by Stack's. It’s uncertain if these are the
same variety or not.
A tough date to find in Fine to AU. but mint-state examples are more plentiful than
would be expected.
Rarity Rating: G-VG R2. F-VF R3. XF-AU R4. MS R2.
Total PCGS/NGC = 67 (RANKING 42/74).
1947
1991
CDN
G
—
2.00
1.70
F
0.75
8.50
13.00
XF
—
30.00
32.00
MS60
2.50
200.00
160.00
MS63
—
—
375.00
Comes nice for an O-mint, with a decent strike and luster. Still, not as well struck as a
typical S-mint date The high mint-state population probably means that a couple of
rolls were saved. As more of the common dates in the series become certified, its
ranking should improve.
78
The Complete Guide to Barber Dimes
1 906-S
Mintage:
Varieties:
Scarcity:
Value:
Comments:
3,136,640
Breen reports two varieties: a 1906/6-S, where the 6 is actually triple punched, and a
1906-S/inverted S.
A better date, but often available in most circulated grades. The mint-state population
is relatively low and it is scarcer than the 1906-0 in uncirculated grades.
Rarity Rating: G-VG R2, F-VF R3, XF-AU R3, MS R3.
Total PCGS/NGC = 41 (RANKING 30/74)
1947
1991
CDN
G
—
2.00
1.25
F
1.00
7.50
7.00
XF
—
30.00
25.00
MS60
4.00
200.00
160.00
MS63
—
—
375.00
Comes well struck with nice luster. Certified mint-state coins should probably be
acquired while they still carry relatively little premium
David Lawrence
79
1907
Mintage:
Varieties:
22.220,575 Proofs: 575
At least five repunched date varieties (four of those shown here courtesy of Haney):
No. 101 -1907-P, 19/19. Shows most clearly above foot of I.
No. 102-1907-P, double date. Shows along the bottom and inside upper loop of
the 9.
No. 103-1907-P, triple 19. Obvious at top of 1 and 9.
No. 104-1907-P, 9/9. 7/7. Clearest below horizontal of the 7.
No. 105-1907-P, 19/19. Visible below serif of I and inside lower loop of the 9.
Scarcity: A common date.
Rarity Rating: R1 in all grades.
Total PCGS/NGC = 203 (RANKING 66/74).
1947
1991
CDN
G
—
1.25
0.80
F
0.50
3.00
2.15
XF
—
18.00
15.00
MS60
2.25
1 50.00
90.00
MS63
150.00
Comments: Comes well struck with nice luster. The fact that none of the varieties have been
reported previously indicates how little scrutiny Barber Dimes have received.
No. 101. 1907-P. 19/19
No 102 1907-P. double date
80
The Complete Guide to Barber Dimes
1907
(con't)
No. 103. 1907-P, triple 19
No 104. 1907-P, 9/9, 7/7
No. 105. 1907-P, 19/19
David Lawrence
81
1907-D
Mintage:
Varieties:
Scarcity:
Value:
Comments:
4,080.000
Three repunched date varieties known, one of which is quite clear.
No. 101 -1907-D, 9/9, 7/7. Obvious inside the 9. even in low-grade pieces. Also,
note the lower part of the 7 (photo of Haney coin).
No. 102 - 1907-D, 7/7. Seven is repunched (photo).
No. 103 - 1907-D, 9/9. Slight repunching evident inside lower part of 9 (photo of
Haney coin).
Much scarcer than its mintage suggests. In 1907, according to one account, four
wagonloads of dimes leaving the Denver Mint were lost in the Black Canyon (Ed
Rochette, Numismatic News, reprinted in the BCCS Journal Vol. II No. 2). Whatever
the truth of the story, this coin is tough to find in AU and MS.
Rarity Rating: G-VG R2. F-VF R2. XF R3, AU R4. MS high R4. No. 101 is R3 F-XF. at
least R4 in higher grades.
Total PCGS/NGC = 20 (RANKING 1 1/74).
1947
1991
CDN
G
—
1.75
1.10
F
0.75
5.00
5.00
XF
—
24.00
20.00
MS60
2 75
200.00
175.00
MS63
—
—
450.00
Strike is just average. Many collectors and dealers still do not know how scarce this
date is. Obvious varieties like No. 101 are probably worth acquiring. All indications are
they will be more actively collected in the future.
82
The Complete Guide to Barber Dimes
1907-D
(con't)
No. 101. 1907-D. 9/9. 7/7
No. 102 1907-D. 7/7
David Lawrence
83
1907-0
Mintage:
Varieties:
Scarcity:
Value:
Comments:
5,058,000
Haney found one with a slightly repunched date. Spadone reports a variety with a
recut UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
No. 101-1907-0, 1/1. The whole date seems to be slightly doubled, but it shows
best at the bottom of the 1 (photo of Haney coin).
A better date. Well-struck specimens are tough to find and command a premium. Very
scarce in gem condition (MS65 and above). AU and mint-state specimens are available
in their normal, weak-struck condition.
Rarity Rating: G-VG Rl, F-VF R2, XF-AU R3, MS R2 (except in gem condition when
they are at least R5).
Total PCGS/NGC - 73 (RANKING 44/74).
1947
1991
CDN
G
—
1.75
1,10
F
0.50
5.00
5.00
XF
—
23.00
18.00
MS60
2.25
160.00
125.00
MS63
—
—
330.00
The most poorly struck dime of the series. Many mint-state specimens lack a full
LIBERTY and the coin often has a lumpy appearance. Comes with nice luster.
No. 101 1907-0, 1/1
84
The Complete Guide to Barber Dimes
1 907-S
Mintage:
Varieties:
Scarcity:
Value:
Comments:
3,178,470
A repunched date, shown here, and an RPM shown in Wexler & Miller.
No. 101 1907-S, 7/7 (photo of Haney specimen). The repunching is evident at the
top of the 7, even in this low grade specimen.
No. 102-1 907-S/S North (photo in Wexler & Miller). The doubling of the mint mark
is slight and shows mostly along the center diagonal of the S.
A better date, on par with the 1906-S and 1908-S. Mint-state coins are fairly scarce.
Rarity Rating: G-VG R2, F-VF R2, XF-AU R3, MS R4.
Total PCGS/NGC = 28 (RANKING tied for 19/74).
1947
1991
CDN
G
—
2.00
1.45
F
0.75
5.00
6.00
XF
—
28.00
25.00
MS60
4.00
210.00
200.00
MS63
—
—
460.00
Comes well struck with nice luster. Often has proof-like fields. Mint state coins are
currently underrated.
No. 101 1907-S, 7/7
David Lawrence
85
1908
Mintage:
Varieties:
Scarcity:
Value:
Comments:
10,600,545 Proofs: 545
Many repunched date varieties. Breen lists a ‘triple 8,' which may be the same as one
of the four varieties shown here. He also lists an overdate in proofs of this issue.
No. 101 -1908-P, 908/908. Obvious repunching of the 9, light repunching
showing below O and inside lower loop of the 8. This is one of the most obvious
RPDs in the series (coin courtesy of Jessie Patrick, the Patrick Mint).
No. 102-1908-P, 8/8. The 8 was first punched too low, then corrected. Both the
curve and central bridge of the first 8 show in the lower loop of the 8 (photo).
No. 10B - 1908-P, 9/9, 8/8. The earlier date shows in the upper loop of the 8 and,
lightly, in the lower loop of the 9 (photo).
No. 104-1908-P, 8/8 possibly a triple 8. Curves of prior 8(s) visible in both loops of
the new 8 (photo).
A common date.
Rarity Rating: R1 in all grades. The scarcity of the varieties is unknown.
Total PCGS/NGC = 182 (RANKING 63/74).
1947
1991
CDN
G
—
1.25
0.80
F
0.50
3.00
2.15
XF
—
18.00
15.00
MS60
2.25
1 50.00
90.00
MS63
—
—
150.00
Comes well struck with nice luster. Some of the more obvious RPDs, such as No. 101,
are worth a considerable premium. All varieties are at least R3. Only the most obvious
are discernible in grades below XF.
86
The Complete Guide to Barber Dimes
1908
(con't)
No. 101. 1908-P. 908/908
No. 102. I908-P.8/8
No. 103. 1908-P.9/9, 8/8
No. 104 1908-P. 8/8
David Lawrence
87
1 908-D
Mintage:
Varieties:
Scarcity:
Value:
Comments:
7,490,000
Like the 1908-P, there are several repunched dates. Breen illustrates a double date
and lists a 'triple 8' as well. Five varieties are illustrated here.
No. 101-1908-D, I/I 8/8. The first 8 was punched much too low, then effaced. It
shows clearly in both loops of the 8 in low- and high-grade coins (low-grade coin in
photo is a Haney specimen).
No. 102-1 908-D, 8/8 (photo). A distinctive jagged remnant of the earlier 8 shows
in the lower loop of the new 8. The 9 may be repunched as well.
No. 103-1908-D, repunched date. Possibly a triple date. Similar to Breen #3567
and could be the same variety (photo) Date was first punched too high.
No. 104 1908-D, repunched date. Shows most clearly in the 9 and 0. The 0 seems
first to have been an 8 then corrected (photo by Bill Fivaz).
No. 105 1908-D, triple date, possibly Breen's #3568 (photo by Bill Fivaz).
This is the most common mint-marked dime from 1892-1910 in circulated grades. A
slightly better date in mint state. Scarcity of the varieties is unknown, but they are
probably not as rare as Breen suggests.
Rarity Rating: R1 in circulated grades, R2 in mint state, but underrated in MS64
and higher.
Total PCGS/NGC = 63 (RANKING 41/74).
1947
1991
CDN
G
—
1.75
1.00
F
0.50
4.50
3.75
XF
—
19.00
17.00
MS60
2.25
160.00
100.00
MS63
—
—
150.00
Comes well struck with nice luster. Varieties can probably be 'cherry picked" from
dealer stock of certified coins.
88
The Complete Guide to Barber Dimes
1 908-D
(con't)
David Lawrence
89
1 908-0
Mintage:
Varieties:
Scarcity:
Value:
Comments:
1.789,000
At least two repunched dates — the Haney coin shown here and a 'double-punched
8' listed in Breen.
No. 101 -1908-0, repunched date. Most obvious in the 9 and inside the 8 (photo
of Haney coin).
Scarce from F-AU. Mint-state specimens are available in MS64, but insufficient for
demand in lower grades and very scarce in MS65 and above (like so many O-mints).
Rarity Rating: G-VG R2, F-VF R3. XF-AU R4, MS high R3 (at least R4 in MS 65 and
above).
Total PCGS/NGC = 37 (RANKING = 25/74).
1947
1991
CDN
G
—
2.25
1.50
F
1.00
12.00
15.00
XF
—
40.00
40.00
MS60
3.50
220.00
200.00
MS63
—
—
525.00
Struck better than most O-mints, but generally lacking the detail of P- and S-mint
dimes. This is one of those collector dates where demand always exceeds supply from
Fine to MS63. Expect to pay a premium for original, trouble-free coins.
No. 101. 1908-0, repunched date
90
The Complete Guide to Barber Dimes
1 908-S
Mintage:
Varieties:
Scarcity:
Value:
Comments:
3.220,000
Breen recently discovered a repunched date, where the first date was punched far to
the left and then partly effaced. The repunching shows in the loops of the 9 and 8.
Shelf-doubled mint marks are occasionally seen (photo). Look for telltale doubling of
the surrounding ribbon. Shelf doubling is not as common in this date as in the early S-
mints of the series
A better date in collector grades. Though available in MS64 and above, the total
certified mint-state population is lower than expected.
Rarity Rating: G-VG R1, F-VF R2, XF-AU R3. MS high R3.
Total PCGS/NGC - 38 (RANKING 26/74)
1947
1991
CDN
G
—
1.75
1.10
F
1.00
4.50
5.00
XF
—
25.00
20.00
MS60
3.50
200.00
1 50.00
MS63
—
—
475.00
Comes well struck with nice luster. Underrated in mint-state and a good coin to put
away for the future.
1908-S/S, shelf doubled mint mark
David Lawrence
91
1909
Mintage:
Varieties:
Scarcity:
Value:
Comments:
10.240,650 Proofs: 650
One slightly repunched date.
A common date.
Rarity Rating: R1 in all grades.
Total PCGS/NGC = 163 (RANKING 59/74).
G
1947
F
0.50
XF
—
MS60
2.00
MS63
—
1991
CDN
1.25
0.80
3.00
2.15
18.00
15.00
1 50.00
90.00
—
150.00
Comes well struck with nice luster. Considering the mintage, it is surprising that more
varieties haven't been found.
92
The Complete Guide to Barber Dimes
1 909-D
Mintage:
Varieties:
Scarcity:
Value:
Comments:
954,000
None known.
Scarce above Good and collector demand always exceeds supply. Occasionally one of
the few high-grade Uncs becomes available, at a price. Specimens from XF to MS63
always sell quickly.
Rarity Rating: G-VG R2, F-VF R3+, XF-AU R4, MS R4
Total PCGS/NGC = 24 (RANKING 14/74)
1947
1991
CDN
G
—
2.75
2.10
F
1.00
1 1.00
15.00
XF
—
35.00
37.00
MS60
—
300.00
225.00
MS63
—
—
640.00
The 'big 4' late in the series are the 1908-0, 1909-D and S and 1910-S (not the 1913-
S). For years these dates were severely underrated. In recent times prices have caught
up. Still, they are generally priced way below the tough early dates of the series in
circulated grades.
David Lawrence
93
1 909-0
Mintage:
Varieties:
Scarcity:
Value:
Comments:
2,287,000
Two RPMs are known - a 1909-0/0 West, listed, but not illustrated by Wexler &
Miller, and the 1909-O/inverted D (possibly the same).
No. 101 -1909-O/inverted D (photo courtesy of Stacks). A VF specimen was first
offered at the 1972 ANA auction and realized $ 120. The same piece recently sold at a
Stack's auction for $ 125 (+ 10% buyer's fee).
A better date, but not nearly as tough to find as the 1909-D or -S. Specimens are
usually available in all grades. Apparently hoarded because they represent the final
year of the New Orleans Mint (Breen). Scarcity of the RPM is unknown.
Rarity Rating: G-VG R2, F-VF R2, XF-AU R3, MS R3.
Total PCGS/NGC = 43 (RANKING 32/74).
1947
1991
CDN
G
—
2.25
1.25
F
0.75
5.50
6.00
XF
—
27.50
21.00
MS60
3.00
175.00
125.00
MS63
—
—
300.00
One of the poorer struck O-mint dates.
No 101 1909-O/inverted D
94
The Complete Guide to Barber Dimes
1 909-S
Mintage:
Varieties:
Scarcity:
Value:
Comments:
1,000,000
A repunched date with the final 9 doubled (Breen).
Very scarce Fine and above. Like the 1908-0, 1909-D and 1910-s, but even tougher
to find.
Rarity Rating: G-VG R2, F-VF R4, XF-AU R5, MS high R5.
Total PCGS/NGC = 16 (RANKING 5/74).
1947
1991
CDN
G
—
2.75
2.10
F
1.00
14.00
18.00
XF
—
50.00
53.00
MS60
4.00
225.00
250.00
MS63
—
650.00
One of my favorite dates. Demand is so strong that you are lucky to find one in any
grade above Good on the bourse floor. Surprisingly for an S-mint, not always well
struck. I recently saw a mint-state coin with detail as poor as the worst O-mint.
Though its scarcity is no secret, this date is still underpriced in mint-state
David Lawrence
95
Mintage:
Varieties:
Scarcity:
Value:
Comments:
1910
11,520,551 Proofs: 551
None known
A common date.
Rarity Rating:
Rl in all grades.
Total PCGS/NGC = 250 (RANKING
68/74).
1947
1991
CDN
G
—
1.25
.80
F
0.50
3.00
2.15
XF
18.00
15.00
MS60
2.00
1 50.00
90.00
MS63
—
—
150.00
Comes well struck with nice luster.
96
The Complete Guide to Barber Dimes
1910-D
Mintage:
Varieties:
Scarcity:
Value:
Comments:
3,490,000
None known.
A better date. The third scarcest D-mint, behind the 1909-D and 1907-D
Rarity Rating: G-VG Rl, F-VF R2, XF-AU R3, MS high R2.
Total PCGS/NGC = 52 (RANKING 37/74)
1947
1991
CDN
G
—
1.75
1.05
F
0.75
4.50
5.25
XF
—
28.00
23.00
MS60
2.25
300.00
135.00
MS63
—
400.00
Doesn't come nice as a rule. Strike and luster are below average and often
unsatisfying.
David Lawrence
97
1910-S
Mintage:
Varieties:
Scarcity:
Value:
Comments:
1,240,000
None known.
Surprisingly scarce in VG and above, but a fair number of mint-state examples exist.
Like the 1909-D and -S, demand far exceeds supply. In mint-state on par with the
1908-S.
Rarity Rating: G-VG R2, F-VF R3. XF-AU R4, MS high R3.
Total PCGS/NGC = 38 (RANKING tied for 26/74).
1947
1991
CDN
G
—
1.75
1.05
F
1.00
6.75
1 1.00
XF
—
28.00
35.00
MS60
4.00
200.00
275.00
MS63
—
—
450.00
Comes sharply struck with nice luster. For a late date in the series, surprisingly few
collector-grade specimens seem to exist. Prices have risen sharply, but it is still
undervalued in most circulated grades and is the most underrated date in the series.
98
The Complete Guide to Barber Dimes
1911
Mintage:
Varieties:
Scarcity:
Value:
Comments:
18,870,543 Proofs: 543
Haney has a specimen with very slight doubling of the date. Also, one reverse die has
several die chips.
A common date.
Rarity Rating: Rl in all grades
Total PCGS/NGC = 498 (RANKING 72/74).
1947
1991
CDN
G
—
1.25
0.80
F
0.50
3.00
2.15
XF
—
18.00
15.00
MS60
2.00
150.00
90.00
MS63
—
—
1 50.00
Comes well struck with nice luster. Careful examination should turn up some varieties.
David Lawrence
99
191 1-D
Mintage:
Varieties:
Scarcity:
Value:
Comments:
1 1,209,000
Hustad has an RPD with a repunched 9 (9/9 West) and the second 1 higher than
usual.
A common date.
Rarity Rating: R1 in all grades.
Total PCGS/NGC = 137 (RANKING 55/74).
1947
1991
CDN
G
_
1.25
0.85
F
0.75
3.00
2.75
XF
—
18.00
15.00
MS60
2.75
1 50.00
90.00
MS63
—
—
150.00
Comes well struck with nice luster.
100
The Complete Guide to Barber Dimes
1911-S
Mintage:
Varieties:
Scarcity:
Value:
Comments:
3.520,000
One minor RPM.
No. 101 1911-S, S/S. Slight doubling can be seen under the top serif of the mint
mark (photo).
A slightly better date due to low mintage. Relatively scarcer in low grades than high.
The certified mint-state population is quite high.
Rarity Rating:
R2 in all circulated grades, R1
in mint-state.
Total PCGS/NGC - 1 26 (RANKING 54/74)
1947
1991
CDN
G
—
1.75
1.00
F
1.00
5.00
5.50
XF
—
20.00
20.00
MS60
3.75
175.00
1 1 5.00
MS63
—
—
250.00
Comes well struck with nice luster. The high number of mint-state coins, relative to its
mintage, indicates a few rolls must have been saved
No. 101. 191 l-S/S. RPM
David Lawrence
101
1912
Mintage:
Varieties:
Scarcity:
Value:
Comments:
19,350,000 Proofs: 700
None known.
A common date.
Rarity Rating: RI in all grades.
Total PCGS/NGC = 405 (RANKING 70/74).
G
1947
F
0.50
XF
—
MS60
2.00
MS63
—
1991
CDN
1.25
0.80
3.00
2.15
18.00
15.00
150.00
90.00
—
150.00
Strike and luster are just average.
102
The Complete Guide to Barber Dimes
1912-D
Mintage: 11,760,000
Varieties: Several RPMs - three mentioned in Wexler & Miller (D/D North, D/D EAST, D/D West),
another in Breen (D/D South), and a fifth, triple D, shown here.
No. 101-1912-D, D/D North The notch at the top of the mint mark is diagnostic
(photo of Haney coin).
No. 102-1912-D, triple D (photo of Haney coin)
No. 103 - 1912-D. D/D East (photo in Wexler & Miller).
Scarcity: A common date.
Rarity Rating: R1 in all grades.
Total PCGS/NGC = 152 (RANKING 58/74).
1947
1991
CDN
G
—
1.25
0.85
F
0.50
3.00
3.00
XF
—
18.00
15.00
MS60
2.25
150.00
90.00
MS63
—
—
1 50.00
Comments: Strike and luster are just average
No. 102. 1912-D, triple-D RPM
David Lawrence
103
1912-S
Mintage:
Varieties:
Scarcity:
Value:
Comments:
3,420,000
An RPM with slight doubling of the mint mark. Parts of the first S (to the east) show
lightly as spikes inside the top loop of the new mint mark and jutting out of the lower
curve. There is also an obverse die with light clashing and a few chips near Liberty's
mouth.
A slightly better date in higher circulated grades. Otherwise, it is common
Rarity Rating: G-VG Rl, R2 in all higher grades.
Total PCGS/NGC = 84 (RANKING 48/74).
1947
1991
CDN
G
—
1.75
1.00
F
1.00
5.00
3.75
XF
—
20.00
18.00
MS60
4.00
175.00
120.00
MS63
—
—
250.00
Comes well struck with nice luster.
104
The Complete Guide to Barber Dimes
1913
Mintage:
Varieties:
Scarcity:
Value:
Comments:
19.760,622 Proofs: 622
Haney has a specimen with a slight doubling of the 9.
A common date.
Rarity Rating: R1 in all grades
Total PCGS/NGC = 443 (RANKING 71/74).
1947
1991
CDN
G
—
1.25
0.80
F
0.75
3.00
2.15
XF
—
18.00
15.00
MS60
2.50
1 50.00
90.00
MS63
—
1 50.00
Strike and luster are average.
David Lawrence
105
1913-S
Mintage:
Varieties:
Scarcity:
Value:
Comments:
510,000
None known.
This date, being second in mintage only to the 1895-0 among the regular issues, has
traditionally been in strong demand. However, it is generally available because of
hoarding. The 1913-S is not nearly as tough as the 1909-D and -S and 1910-S. all of
which have twice its mintage.
Rarity Rating: G-VG R2, F-VF R3, XF-AU R4, MS R2.
Total PCGS/NGC = 67 (Tied for 42/74).
1947
1991
CDN
G
—
6.50
5.25
F
2.25
24.00
25.00
XF
—
135.00
100.00
MS60
16.00
325.00
275.00
MS63
—
—
550.00
Overrated because of high survivorship, but collector demand keeps the price up.
Comes well struck with nice luster.
106
The Complete Guide to Barber Dimes
Mintage:
Varieties:
Scarcity:
Value:
Comments:
1914
None known.
A common date.
Rarity Rating: R1 in all grades.
►tal PCGS/NGC = 521 (RANKING
73/74).
1947
1991
CDN
G
1.25
0.80
F 0.50
3.00
2.15
XF
18.00
15.00
MS60 3.25
1 50.00
90.00
MS63
—
1 50.00
High mintage and lateness in the series combine to give this date good survivorship in
high grades. Average strike and luster.
David Lawrence
107
191 4-D
Mintage:
Varieties:
Scarcity:
Value:
Comments:
1 1,908,000
Two, including the so-called "blundered D' RPM (first illustrated in Coin World
Collectors' Clearinghouse May 7, 1986 and another D/D discovered by Joe Haney.
No. 101 - 1914-D, D/D Northeast in Wexler & Miller; blundered D in Breen. The mint
mark was first punched too high and to the right, then largely corrected. The lower
part of the first D is evident, particularly inside the later mint mark. The photo on the
facing page is from a specimen provided by Clare Masek of Florida. It is actually a
triple-D, but the doubling to the west is shelf doubling and not in the die. A similar
triple-D was first illustrated in Coin World . However, the Wexler & Miller specimen is
not tripled.
No. 102 1914-D, D/D. The earlier mint mark shows northwest and is rotated
slightly (photo of Haney coin).
A common date. RPM scarcities are unknown because few people have looked for
them. No. 101 is probably at least R3 in all grades.
Rarity Rating: Rl in all grades.
Total PCGS/NGC = 223 (RANKING 67/74).
1947
1991
CDN
G
*-
1.25
.85
F
0.50
3.00
3.00
XF
—
18.00
15.00
MS60
2.00
1 50.00
90.00
MS63
—
—
150.00
Strike and luster are average.
108
The Complete Guide to Barber Dimes
1914-D
(con't)
David Lawrence
109
Mintage:
Varieties:
Scarcity:
Value:
Comments:
1914-S
2,100,000
None known.
A slightly better date G-VF, better still in XF and AU, but available in mint state.
Rarity Rating: G-VG R2, F-VF R2, XF-AU R3, MS R2.
Total PCGS/NGC = 80 (RANKING 47/74).
1947
1991
CDN
G
—
1.75
1.5
F
0.75
4.50
4.00
XF
—
22.00
20.00
MS60
6.00
175.00
125.00
MS63
—
—
325.00
Comes well struck with nice luster. Based on mintage alone it would seem to be a
tougher date, but as a late date in the series it has been saved. In 1947 it was the
second most valuable late date of the series in mint state (only the 1913-S was higher).
The Complete Guide to Barber Dimes
1915
Mintage:
Varieties:
Scarcity:
Value:
Comments:
5,620,450 Proofs: 450
None known.
A common date.
Rarity Rating: Rl in all grades
Total PCGS/NGC = 187 (RANKING 65/74).
1947
1991
CDN
G
—
1.25
0.80
F
0.75
3.00
2.15
XF
—
18.00
15.00
MS60
3.00
160.00
90.00
MS63
—
—
1 50.00
Average strike with decent luster. Breen notes that the numerals for this date are
cruder than for earlier dates in the series.
David Lawrence
1915-S
Mintage:
Varieties:
Scarcity:
Value:
Comments:
960,000
One RPM.
No. 101 - 1915-S, S/S North. The first S shows in a couple of places (photo of Haney
coin).
Low mintage makes this date fairly scarce in all grades, despite being late in the series.
Rarity Rating: G-VG R2, F-VF R3. XF-AU R4, MS R3, higher in MS65.
Total PCGS/NGC = 43 (RANKING 32/74)
1947
1991
CDN
G
—
2.00
1.10
F
1.00
6.00
6.25
XF
—
35.00
33.00
MS60
5.25
200.00
180.00
MS63
—
—
400.00
Comes well struck with nice luster. The 1915-S enjoys strong collector demand and is
probably undervalued.
112
The Complete Guide to Barber Dimes
1916
Mintage:
1 8,490,000
Proofs:
None.
Varieties:
None known.
Scarcity:
The most common date in the series
Rarity Rating: Rl
Total PCGS/NGC =
in all grades.
= 725 (RANKING 74/74).
Value:
1947
1991
CDN
G
—
1.25
0.80
F
0.50
3.00
2.15
XF
—
18.00
15.00
MS60
2.00
1 50.00
90.00
MS63
—
—
1 50.00
Comments: Strike is often disappointing, luster variable.
David Lawrence
1916-S
Mintage:
Varieties:
Scarcity:
Value:
Comments:
5,820,000
None known.
A common date but a nice AU is sometimes hard to find.
Rarity Rating: R1 in all grades.
Total PCGS/NGC = 150 (RANKING 57/74).
G
1947
F
0.50
XF
—
MS60
2.00
MS63
—
1991
CDN
1.25
0.95
3.00
2.50
18.00
16.00
1 50.00
95.00
—
150.00
Strike usually a bit soft and luster subdued.
The Complete Guide to Barber Dimes
Appendices
Appendix A
GLOSSARY
BCCS - The Barber Coin Collectors' Society. When numbers are given with these initials they refer
to the volume and issue number of the BCCS Journal.
CDN - 'The Coin Dealer Newsletter - Monthly Summary." Also called the "gray sheet." It is a
monthly wholesale price guide.
DIE CHIP - Small indentation in the die that results in extra metal on the coin itself.
HUB - The coin design, in steel, used to make the working dies.
1947 - Refers to prices listed in the 1 947 (1 st edition) of the Red Book. An indication of 1947
retail prices.
1991 Refers to prices listed in the 1991 (44th edition) of the Red Book. An indication of 1991
retail prices.
NGC - Numismatic Guaranty Corporation of America. The NGC Census Report of August 1, 1990
was used to tally the population of NGC certified coins in the date by date descriptions.
O-MINT - New Orleans Mint. An O-mint coin was made in New Orleans.
PCGS - Professional Coin Grading Service. The PCGS Population Report of Mid-August 1990 was
used to tally the population of PCGS certified coins in the date-by-date descriptions.
P/L - Proof-like.
PHILIPPINE HOARD - Refers to coins originally sent to the Philippines for local use, hoards of
which periodically show up in the U.S. in relatively high circulated grades. The predominant dates
are 1898-S, 1899-S and 1 900-S — mostly cleaned XF and AU.
PROOF-LIKE - Refers to coins that have mirror (reflective) fields, as proof coins do
RANKING - The ranking of the total number of mint state PCGS and NGC coins among the 74
coins of the series. A rank of 1 /74 indicates that, in this series, the date has had the lowest number
of mint state coins certified by these companies. A complete table is in Appendix B.
RARITY RATING - The scarcity of the coin relative to others in the series. See Chapter 3,
ESTIMATING SCARCITY.
RED BOOK - "A Guide Book of United States Coins" by R.S Yeoman, published by Whitman
Publishing Company, Inc. of Racine, Wl. It is considered a retail price guide.
RPD - Repunched date. A date that shows signs of numerals underneath, indicating that the date
was punched in more than once. Often the original date position was out of line and then
corrected. The entire date may be doubled or only one or more numerals.
117
David Lawrence
RPM - Repunched mint mark. The mint mark has been punched into the die twice resulting in a
doubled mint mark on the coin. Since the doubling appears on the die itself, identical specimens
are produced and the variety is considered "collectible."
SHELF DOUBLING - Refers to doubled mint marks (and other details of the coin as well)
caused by a torsion between the two dies during ejection of the planchet. Also known as
"ejection doubling," the doubled detail looks like a thin shelf attached to the regular mint mark.
Shelf doubling is common on San Francisco Mint dimes of 1893, 1895 and 1899 and other dates
as well. To distinguish this type of doubling from a true RPM, look for separation between the
doubling (which indicates an RPM) and doubling of the ribbon and other details near the mint
mark (indicating shelf doubling). As a rule, shelf-doubled coins command little premium over
regular coins of the date except where a triple mint mark (like the 1893-S) has caught collector
interest.
118
The Complete Guide to Barber Dimes
Appendix B
STATISTICS
TABLE 1 The number and rank of Barber Dimes in mint state graded by PCGS and
NGC combined (as of August, 1990).
DATE
NUMBER
RANKING
DATE
NUMBER
RANKING
1894-S
2
1
1900-S
57
38
1900-0
1 1
2
1894-P
57
38
1898-0
14
3
1896-P
59
40
1895-0
14
3
1908-D
63
41
1 909-S
16
5
1913-S
67
42
1899-0
17
6
1906-0
67
42
1898-S
18
7
1907-0
73
44
1894-0
18
7
1905-0
77
45
1897-S
18
7
1905-S
78
46
1896-0
19
10
1914-S
80
47
1 907-D
20
1 1
1912-S
84
48
1896-S
22
12
1904-P
87
49
1901-S
22
12
1892-0
87
49
1 909-D
24
14
1902-P
97
51
1892-S
25
15
1905-P
115
52
1902-0
26
16
1900-P
1 16
53
1901-0
27
17
191 l-S
126
54
1903-S
27
17
191 1-D
137
55
1907-S
28
19
1901-P
147
56
1895-S
28
19
1916-S
150
57
1902-S
29
21
1912-D
152
58
1899-S
30
22
1909-P
163
59
1903-0
32
23
1893-P
164
60
1904-S
34
24
1899-P
172
61
1908-0
37
25
1897-P
179
62
1 908-S
38
26
1908-P
182
63
1910-S
38
26
1906-P
183
64
1893-S
39
28
1915-P
187
65
1897-0
40
29
1907-P
203
66
1 906-S
41
30
1914-D
223
67
1893-0
42
31
1910-P
250
68
1915-S
43
32
1898-P
255
69
1 909-0
43
32
1912-P
405
70
1895-P
48
34
1913-P
443
71
1 906-D
48
34
191 1-P
498
72
1903-P
49
36
1914-P
521
73
1910-D
52
37
1892-P
656
74
1916-P
725
75
NOTE: These numbers may be higher than the actual number of coins, as some of the coins may have been submitted
(and therefore counted) more than once.
1 19
David Lawrence
TABLE 2 Historical Red Book prices for Barber Dimes
GRADE
1947
1950
1960
1970
1980
1990
A. THE ENTIRE SET
GOOD
72
254
310
409
615
FINE
108
208
689
793
1,071
1,147
MS60
470
816
3,586
5,381
14,625
18,830
B. A COMMON DATE (191 2-P)
GOOD
0.20
0.25
0.30
1.00
1.25
FINE
0.50
0.50
1.00
1.00
2.50
3.00
XF
—
—
2.00
3.50
17.50
18.00
MS60
2.00
2.50
7.00
24.00
120.00
150.00
C. A BETTER DATE (1898-0)
GOOD
0.75
3.00
3.00
3.50
3.25
FINE
2.25
5.00
8.50
8.50
12.50
10.00
XF
—
—
35.00
42.50
50.00
45.00
MS60
13.50
25.00
95.00
100.00
210.00
285.00
D. THE KEY DATE (1895-0)
GOOD
15.00
36.00
45.00
60.00
150.00
FINE
12.50
25.00
100.00
120.00
130.00
200.00
XF
—
—
225.00
275.00
300.00
400.00
MS60
30.00
100.00
475.00
650.00
950.00
1,000.00
NOTE: Statistics compiled by Steve Epstein.
120
The Complete Guide to Barber Dimes
Appendix C
REFERENCES
&
LISTING OF MAJOR CONTRIBUTORS
Breen. Walter. Walter Breen's Encyclopedia of United States and Colonial Proof Coins: 1722-1989. 1977.
Breen. Walter. Walter Breen’s Complete Encyclopedia of U.S. and Colonial Coins . F.C.I. Press Inc. &
Doubleday. 1988.
Ehrmantraut, J.A. "Why Barber Coins May Offer the Best Value in this Market," The Coin Dealer Newsletter.
Monthly Summary . December 1989 and January 1990.
Johnson, James G. "Recounts History of Rare 1894-S Dime," Collectors' Clearinghouse, Coin World .
September 13, 1972, p.61.
Johnson, James G. "Researching the 1894-S Dime," Rare Coin Review. No. 64, Bowers & Merena, p. 30-31
Judd, J.H. United States Pattern. Experimental and Trial Pieces . 7th Ed. (compiled and edited by Abe Kosoff).
Western Publishing Company, Inc., Racine, Wl, 1982.
Julian, R.W. "Restful Liberty, Restful Times." COINS, January 1977.
Julian, R.W. "Liberty Unseated." COINS. February 1977.
Lawrence, David. The Complete Guide to Barber Quarters. David Lawrence Rare Coins. Virginia Beach. VA.
1989.
McClosky, John W. "Close Study Reveals Barber Dime Varieties." Collectors' Clearinghouse, Coin World .
July 2, 1980, p.76.
NGC Census Report . August 31,1990.
The Numismatist. June 1900. Editorial, p. 167.
"Obituary: Charles E. Barber," The Numismatist. April 1917. p. 167.
Pessolano-Filos, Francis. The Venus Numismatics Dictionary of Artists. Designers. Modellers. Engravers and
Die Sinkers Whose Works Were Commissioned by or Struck by the United States Mint: 1 792-1 977.
Eros Publishing Company, New York, NY, 1983.
PCGS Population Report . August I, 1990.
Spadone, Frank G. Major Variety and Oddity Guide of United States Coins. 7th Edition, 1977.
Taxay, Don. The U.S. Mint and Coinage. Arco Publishing Company, Inc., New York, NY. 1966.
"Two 1894-S Dimes Sold?," Numismatic Scrapbook Magazine . February 1951, p. 184.
Two Extreme Rarities in U.S. Coinage," The Numismatist. April 1928. p. 236-237.
David Lawrence
121
Vesely, Zdenek. Catalogue of Coin Designers and Engravers, self-published, 1984.
Wexler, John A. & Tom Miller. The RPM Book . Lonesome John Publishing Company, Newbury Park, CA,
1984.
Yeoman, R.S. A Guide Book of United States Coins . 1 st Edition, 1947. Whitman Publishing Company,
Racine, Wl, 1946.
Yeoman, R.S. A Guide Book of United States Coins . 44th Edition, 1991. Whitman Publishing Company,
Racine, Wl, 1990.
MAJOR CONTRIBUTORS
Walter Breen - A numismatic author of many books, from California.
Phil Carrigan - An Illinois collector, active in the BCCS.
Steve Epstein - President, Barber Coin Collectors' Society (BCCS).
Bill Fivaz - Georgia numismatist and co-author of the Cherrvpicker's Guide to Rare Die Varieties
Brian Greer - A collector from Colorado.
Joe Haney - A collector from Pennsylvania specializing in varieties. Joe provided examples of many of the
varieties in this book..
Steve Hustad - A collector from Minnesota.
Johnathan Kern A dealer from Kentucky.
Jesse Patrick - A dealer from California, owner of The Patrick Mint.
Clare Masek - A collector from Florida.
Tom Mulvaney - A numismatic photographer from Lexington, Kentucky. Tom shot most of the
photographs in this book.
Steve Musil A dealer from Nebraska
Bob Wolfe - A collector from Ohio.
122
The Complete Guide to Barber Dimes
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
David Lawrence is the pen name of David Feigenbaum,
a Virginia coin dealer specializing in the Barber series. Born in
New York City in 1941, Dave's interest in these coins began in
1951 when his uncle took him to meetings of the Brooklyn Coin
Club. In those days. Barbers could still be found in circulation,
although well worn, and everyone kept lots of change for the
subways and trolley cars.
Dave studied engineering at Cornell University and has a
Ph.D. in Oceanography from the University of Miami. He began
his coin business, David Lawrence Rare Coins, in 1979 as a
weekend pursuit and today is involved full time.
Live Music
Archive
Librivox
Free Audio
Metropolitan Museum
Cleveland
Museum of Art
Internet
Arcade
Console Living Room
Open Library
American
Libraries
TV News
Understanding
9/11